By Karim Hammam
The UK government has launched a consultation aimed at ending the “wild west” of parked e-bikes blocking pavements, with ministers seeking to introduce national standards for parking, fleet sizes and insurance requirements.
Consultation to set national standards
The Department for Transport will lead the consultation, which will also address antisocial riding such as jumping red lights and underage or drunk riders. Currently, rules vary across councils, with some requiring shared bikes from operators like Lime, Forest and Voi to be left in designated bays while others have looser regulations.
Parking, fleet sizes and insurance
The plans include guidelines for fleet sizes to prevent overcrowding and possible insurance requirements so that people hit by hired e-bike riders can claim compensation. The consultation will also consider giving councils and mayors powers over rental fees and requiring companies to share data for enforcement and transport planning.
Rapid growth of shared e-bikes
Since shared e-bike schemes arrived in the UK in 2018, usage has grown rapidly, with more than 2.6 million Britons using a scheme in the year to September 2025. The DfT says the bikes are increasingly important for urban transport but lack of central oversight has created difficulties.
Political reactions
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised travel but must work with communities. The prime minister said he wants to give communities more control over parking and ensure companies and riders follow rules. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham called the changes a “small but important everyday fix”.
London-specific powers
In London, parallel efforts would devolve power to Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London to unify regulations currently managed by individual boroughs. Khan welcomed the move, saying the “wild west” approach cannot continue and he has sought such powers since 2017.
