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E-bike ban begins across London transport network

BBC A converted e-bike on a London Underground trainBBC
Most TfL services will not allow the majority of e-bikes

A ban on non-folding e-bikes has been introduced on most of the Transport for London (TfL) network.

The operator said customers travelling with these kinds of e-bikes - including those converted using kits - will not be permitted to travel on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR.

TfL said it had made the decision following a review, in order to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

It comes after the Aslef union said earlier this month it was considering balloting members for strike action over e-bikes being allowed on the London Underground.

An e-bike fire suspended trains at Rayners Lane station last month

TfL analysis suggested bikes adapted using conversion kits posed a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes, although it pointed out it could be hard to differentiate between them.

The ban will be in place "until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers".

TfL said it would keep the changes under review, pending any future changes to legislation by the government regarding e-bike safety standards.

Existing rules around non-folding bikes and e-bikes will remain in place, including rules stipulating that no e-bikes are permitted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and that no non-folding bikes are allowed on buses or trams.

TfL stressed non-foldable e-bikes would continue to be permitted on the Silvertown Cycle Shuttle Service, Woolwich Ferry, river services depending on the operator, and coach services - also depending on the operator.

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