Local authorities tipped to tackle e-bike misuse as 'unsafe' vehicles pose major safety risks to Britons

The campaign, unveiled during Road Safety Week, highlighted mounting concerns about unlawfully altered e-bikes and substandard lithium-ion batteries flooding the market through online platforms.

Borough councils, responsible for managing 95 per cent of the capital's road network, have now started pressing ministers to implement secondary legislation addressing the unregulated sale of dangerous conversion kits and non-compliant batteries.

The initiative represents a coordinated response to escalating safety incidents involving modified electric bikes, which authorities warn are endangering both riders and pedestrians.

Recent data revealed alarming safety trends, with modified e-bikes reportedly achieving speeds of 70mph, marking a 351 per cent increase from the legal amount of 15.5mph.

These machines legally constitute motorbikes rather than e-bikes, requiring proper licensing, registration, insurance, and mandatory helmet use by operators.

The capital has witnessed a dramatic surge in lithium-ion battery-related blazes, with the London Fire Brigade attending numerous incidents that have resulted in four fatalities linked to improper charging or modifications.

Borough authorities report growing numbers of high-powered conversions appearing on streets, particularly within the expanding gig economy sector, where delivery riders face pressure to maximise speed and range.

Transport for London and the London Councils have introduced a comprehensive digital safety guide aimed at educating riders about proper e-bike usage and emergency protocols.

The educational resource will be distributed to delivery workers via major platform operators and through borough communication channels, offering practical advice on distinguishing legitimate e-bikes from illegal modifications.

The guidance covers essential topics, including proper battery charging techniques, secure storage methods, and emergency response procedures should lithium-ion batteries malfunction or ignite.

This collaborative effort between transport authorities and local government seeks to equip riders with crucial safety knowledge while broader regulatory reforms are pursued.

The factsheet forms part of a wider strategy to promote responsible e-bike ownership and operation, addressing immediate safety concerns while authorities await legislative changes to tackle the root causes of dangerous vehicle proliferation.

Authorities have also demanded specific measures under the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, including stricter definitions for online marketplaces to ensure accountability for dangerous or prohibited products sold through their platforms.

The proposals include enhanced funding and enforcement capabilities for Trading Standards officers, granting them authority to impose immediate penalties and confiscate hazardous items from vendors.

Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, London Councils' Executive Member for Transport and Environment, stated: "We want Londoners to feel confident that when they buy or use an e-bike, it's safe for them and for everyone around them.

"But right now, we're seeing unsafe, illegally modified e-bikes and batteries sold online. This is putting Londoners' lives at risk, and that simply must change. We need better oversight."

Lilli Matson, TfL's Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, added that "good quality e-bikes have a positive role to play in London's sustainable transport future, offering a cleaner, greener way to travel compared to car use."

Both officials stressed the necessity for swift regulatory action to preserve e-bikes' contribution to sustainable urban mobility while safeguarding public safety.