Overview
- The Department for Transport launched a consultation on Thursday proposing national standards for shared e‑bike schemes that would let councils licence operators and set conditions for services.
- Proposed rules would force operators to submit parking plans, limit fleet sizes or operating zones, impose maintenance and possible insurance requirements, and share data with local authorities.
- The measures target antisocial and illegal riding with fines for offences such as pavement riding, drunk or underage use and could lead to licence loss for operators who fail to control behaviours.
- London could get separate handling if powers are devolved to Transport for London so a single citywide licensing regime replaces differing borough rules.
- Operators including Lime, Voi and Forest broadly welcomed consistent rules while charities for people with sight loss and local councils said stronger powers are needed to keep pavements clear and protect pedestrians.