The All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) are to look into safety concerns surrounding e-bikes launching a Call for Evidence from people and organistions who may be able to help in their inquiry.
They particularly want to examine the dangers of upgrade and conversion kits which can be easily purchased online and which are entirely unregulated.
The London Fire Brigade have described the use of incompatible chargers, modifications, faulty or counterfeit products and conversion kits for e-bikes as the capital’s greatest fire risk.
Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW), said: ‘E-bikes have enormous potential to support a cleaner, fairer transport future, but that future is at risk if we fail to address emerging issues, especially from low-quality imported upgrade kits.’
The APPGCW also want to explore the use of e-bikes within the gig economy. 10% of all bike journeys made in London involve the delivery of food.
Hamilton explained: ”We’re especially concerned about the pressures faced by gig economy riders, who may be pushed towards unsafe and potentially illegal products in order to increase their income. In many cases, these are not e-bikes but, in fact, illegally modified motorcycles, and they undermine the reputation of quality e-bike products. This inquiry will help us understand the scale of the problem and identify practical solutions that protect both the public and the progress we need to make in active travel.’
The inquiry will also consider the wider implications of recent policy decisions, such as Transport for London’s ban on non-folding e-bikes as well as the impact of bans on e-bike storage by landlords and workplaces.
The APPGCW would like to receive submissions from:
- Individuals with lived experience (e.g. food delivery riders, victims of incidents)
- Industry stakeholders (insurers, manufacturers, retailers, food delivery platforms)
- Fire services and emergency responders
- Transport operators, regulators and local authorities
- Charities, campaigners and advocacy organisations
- Experts in transport, product safety, and urban design
Concerning the following topics:
- Use of e-bikes in the gig economy, associated safety pressures and any potential need for further regulation
- Illegal modification of e-bikes (e.g. de-restriction for speed or power)
- Fire risk and product safety concerns linked to poor-quality batteries or conversion kits
- Product labelling and regulations, including how to identify a quality and safe e-bike or conversion kit
- Challenges of enforcement and legal compliance
- Impact of unsafe e-bikes on the wider cycling community and public perception
- Impact of existing e-bike bans on public transport or by landlords and workplaces
- Gaps in training, support and guidance for delivery riders
- The role of online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer imports
- Examples of best practice, existing industry initiatives, and potential solutions
- Views on how government, local authorities, and companies can improve safety
Deadline for submissions is Thursday 15 May 2025
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