New e-bike rules must not lead to inconsistency in implementation, RNIB says

Local authorities will be given powers to police ‘wild west’ e-bike parking and anti-social behaviour, the Department of Transport said on 5 November.

New rules will allow local authorities to licence e-bike schemes in their areas, allowing them to “enforce minimum standards and better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks.”

Measures include a new parking plan to reduce inconvenience to the public, a plan for antisocial and illegal behaviour, including cycling on pavements, fleet management plans to stop bikes blocking streets, and potential insurance requirements for operators, so pedestrians can claim compensation if they are hit by someone on an e-bike.

The Shared cycle scheme licensing consultation, which opened on 5 November and will run until 31 December, will seek views in areas including licensing, enforcement and fees.

The consultation “sets out proposed national standards to make journeys safer for everyone and keep pavements clear,” the Department of Transport said.

Mike Wordingham, RNIB’s head of policy, who lives with a visual impairment, emphasised that “dockless e-bikes are heavy, fast, silent and unpredictable.”

An e-bike rider crossed through a red light and almost collided with Wordingham the morning that the report was released, he said.

More than nine in 10 (92% of) blind and partially sighted people report having to walk into the road to avoid street obstacles such as e-bikes, Wordingham said.

He noted that e-bikes “are also often left haphazardly on pavements, causing injuries or making it impossible for blind and partially sighted people like me to move about safely.”

Wordingham said: “We are glad the Government is recognising this issue and putting forward plans to tackle it.

“But tackling rider behaviour will be difficult, and it’s vital the desire for local flexibility doesn’t lead to a patchwork of regulations and inconsistency in implementing them. Everyone deserves to feel safe.”

He added: “We urge the Government to listen to blind and partially sighted people and work closely with operators and local authorities to make sure regulations successfully reduce the risk these bikes pose to people with sight loss.”

Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, said: “We welcome the Government’s consultation on introducing national standards for shared e-bike schemes, giving local authorities much-needed powers to tackle dangerous parking and unsafe use.

“For people with sight loss, badly parked rental e-bikes are a barrier to independent travel, blocking pavements, creating unexpected obstacles and making it harder to navigate safely.”

Briggs added: “Guide Dogs frequently hears from people with a vision impairment about irresponsible and antisocial use of e-bikes on pavements, putting pedestrians at risk.

“We look forward to engaging with the consultation and working with government, local authorities and operators to ensure rental schemes are safe, accessible and work for everyone, including people with sight loss.”

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said that e-bikes must “work with the communities where they operate.”

She added: “That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer.”

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