A cross-party group of MPs and peers has called for urgent government action to halt the sale of dangerous bikes. They warn these bikes pose severe fire hazards and road safety risks. The issue of illegal eBikes highlights the unregulated bikes often used by delivery riders. Such bikes are undermining legal active travel efforts.
Furthermore, current UK law limits eBikes to 15.5mph assisted speeds and 250W motors. However, the report found retailers openly selling bikes with 40mph throttles and 2,000W motors. They are exploiting an “off-road use” loophole. Many bikes power by unsafe foreign-made batteries. Consequently, London fire crews responded to 179 eBike fires in 2023. This is a worrying rise linked to illegal eBikes, up from just eight in 2019.
“These machines are illegal electric motorbikes in all but name,” the report states. Some insurers now refuse coverage for all eBikes due to the risks.
The committee singled out food delivery platforms, where riders often use modified bikes with multiple non-compliant batteries. Proposals include:
- Police seizure powers for illegal bikes
- A company-funded scrappage scheme for delivery riders
- Legal reforms to hold online marketplaces accountable
- Stricter gig economy worker protections
Labour MP Fabian Hamilton called it “a crisis hiding in plain sight.” He is urging action to protect both riders and pedestrians from the dangers of illegal eBikes.
Bans on dangerous eBikes in transport hubs and workplaces were triggered by safety fears. These bans are inadvertently punishing users of both legal and illegal eBikes. The report warns this situation could derail the UK’s cycling uptake goals. This could occur unless illegal products are removed from the market.
With evidence from fire services, police, and industry experts, the group demands immediate legislation. They want to close loopholes and enforce standards for illegal eBike use before further tragedies occur.
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