Andy Burnham hints at 'tougher' rules for e-bikes in fresh crackdown

Ministers are considering stricter controls on the sale of e-bikes and conversion kits, Andy Burnham has stated.

Speaking in the Commons, the prime minister warned that e-bikes operating at excessive speeds present a "safety risk" that must be brought to a halt.

This followed a question from Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes regarding measures to hold online retailers accountable for selling equipment that exceeds legal limits.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said: "We are considering tougher regulations for the sale of non-compliant e-bikes and conversion kits across the UK."

He added: "I agree with (Mr Rhodes), the safety risks posed by e-bikes that are running at excess speeds need to be stopped."

Under UK rules, e-bikes must comply with set safety standards: motors must only assist while pedalling, disengage at 15.5mph, and possess a maximum power limit of 250 watts.

However, e-bike conversion kits can be purchased online, enabling riders to fit motor and battery systems that exceed legal power or speed limits.

Mr Rhodes said modified e-bikes were leaving vulnerable people concerned for their safety.

“My constituents in Glasgow North regularly raise with me the increase in illegally modified e-bikes travelling at dangerous speeds on our roads and pavements,” he said.

“Online marketplaces are selling unsafe e-bikes and conversion kits that take pedal cycles beyond the legal limits, leaving pedestrians, families, vulnerable people worried for their safety going about their daily lives.”

In October, food delivery service Deliveroo announced that drivers riding illegal e-bikes too fast would be banned from the platform, with new technology to monitor speeds.

Police Scotland have warned parents not to buy children e-bikes for Christmas, with the chairman of the Scottish Police Federation saying the “increased antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters has been a real concern for communities”.

Last week, the government also launched a new consultation on e-bike parking, promising to end the “Wild West” of current rules.

The move will include clear rules for operators, riders and councils, with a crackdown on nuisance parking and antisocial behaviour to keep pavements clear.