Can e-bike hire geofencing stop cyclists breaking Oxford Street traffic ban rules?

E-bike firms insist technology is in place to stop riders cycling through Oxford Street's new pedestrianised zone, but dozens of cyclists were still seen riding along the shopping street on Tuesday.

Cyclists are allowed to get off and push their bikes through the pedestrianised zone, but riding your bike is banned.

Transport authorities and e-bike operators say geofencing technology is in place to enforce the restrictions, although it was unclear from The Standard's observations whether the bikes travelling through Oxford Street were being slowed down.

Cyclists have been spotted riding through the pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street

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The technology creates a virtual boundary around the restricted area, triggering changes to a vehicle's motor assistance when it enters the zone.

For dockless e-bikes, this means the electric pedal assistance gradually cuts out, although riders can still pedal the bikes manually.

For rental e-scooters, which rely on a motor, geofencing can bring the vehicle to a stop.

E-bike operator Voi said its bikes are geofenced and riders have been notified of the changes over the past week, ahead of the pedestrianisation.

The company said its app now shows Oxford Street as a no-riding zone, with motor assistance gradually cutting out when a rider enters.

Bikes cannot stop abruptly for safety reasons, but riders will lose electric assistance and be made aware that they need to leave the area.

Christina Moe Gjerde, VP Northern Europe at Voi, said: “Anything that gets people out of cars and encourages active, sustainable travel is a win.

“With Oxford Street now pedestrianised, the focus should be on making it work as part of a joined up transport network, where walking, public transport, cycling and shared micromobility complement one another.

Cyclists spotted riding on the pavement of Oxford Street

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“London is now a cycling city, so safe alternative cycling routes are essential to keep people moving across the capital while protecting pedestrianised spaces.

“Voi riders should respect the walking only restrictions and use designated routes around Oxford Street.”

Lime also confirmed that its app has been updated to reflect TfL's new rules for Oxford Street.

Riders are now prevented from parking in the pedestrianised zone, while anyone entering the area will hear a warning before their bike's electric assistance slows and switches off.

Cyclists riding on the pavement on Oxford Street

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The company also displayed a notification banner in its app ahead of the changes and has staff on the ground to help riders adjust to the new restrictions.

A Lime spokesperson said:"We've worked closely with TfL and Westminster City Council on the changes being made to Oxford Street. From today, the Lime app reflects the new no-cycling rules on Oxford Street.

“Our app now treats the pedestrianised zone as a no-riding zone. If a rider enters, a warning sounds and their e-assist slows down before switching off, and they won't be able to end their trip there.”

Forest said it has also introduced geofencing to cut motor assistance and prevent riders from ending journeys inside the restricted area.

A Forest spokesperson said: “All cyclists, whether riding a shared or privately owned bike, are prohibited from cycling along the newly pedestrianised Oxford Street.

“Forest has introduced a geofenced zone in the area, which automatically cuts the electric motor assistant if a rider enters and prevents them from ending their ride within the zone. The new restrictions are clearly displayed in the Forest app, and we have contacted users directly to explain these changes.”