Calls grow for tougher controls on dockless e-bike parking across London

Transport for London (TfL) is being urged to use newly acquired powers to tackle concerns over poorly parked dockless e-bikes, following growing criticism from local authorities and residents.

The call comes after legislation introduced earlier this year granted TfL the authority to establish a single regulatory framework for dockless bike operators across the capital. The move is intended to replace the existing patchwork approach, where individual boroughs have been responsible for managing operators within their own areas.

The popularity of hire e-bikes has increased rapidly in recent years, but concerns have also grown over bikes being left on pavements, obstructing pedestrians and creating accessibility issues for disabled people and those with mobility impairments.

Under the new powers contained within the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, TfL will be able to license operators and introduce city-wide requirements covering issues such as parking standards, safety measures and accessibility. Companies operating in London include Lime, Forest, Bolt and Voi.

The transport authority will also gain the ability to take enforcement action against operators that fail to meet the required standards.

According to the latest figures, dockless e-bikes now account for around one in ten cycling journeys made across London. With approximately 50,000 hire bikes available throughout the capital, demand for clearer regulation has increased alongside their growth in popularity.

London Assembly Member Elly Baker said:

“Every Londoner will know that it's a bit of a Wild West for dockless e-bikes.

“They tend to be parked often on pavements, getting in the way of people.

“Cycling is getting a bit of a bad rap because lots of what most Londoners see is actually just a load of Lime bikes hanging around.”

Transport for London has welcomed the legislative changes and confirmed that work is already underway to develop proposals for a London-wide licensing regime.

A TfL spokesperson said the new powers would allow the organisation to move away from the current borough-led approach and establish a more consistent framework for operators across the city.

The proposed system is expected to provide greater clarity for e-bike providers while helping boroughs address concerns around street clutter, accessibility and public safety as the capital continues to encourage sustainable travel options.