All non-fold-e-bikes will be prohibited on parts of the London transport network from the end of the month to ensure customer and staff safety, Transport for London announced.
TFL becomes the first transport operator in the UK to enforce a ban on its services, which will come into effect on March 31.
All non-folding e-bikes, including standard cycles converted to e-bikes using conversion sets, will no longer be allowed to travel on most TFL services, including on the tube, overground, Elizabeth Line and DLR.
The announcement comes after a ‘small number of incidents’ where non-folding e-bikes caught fire on the transport system in London.
One E-Bike caught fire on a Tube Station platform at Rayner Lane in northwest London in February, which led to the metropolitan and Piccadilly lines being suspended. The fire was set out by London Fire Brigade within 30 minutes.
The Transport Union Aslef, the Train Managers Union, asked for a ban on e-bikes on the underground after the flames on Rayners Lane, who threatened to strike the case.
The operator said it works closely with the London Fire Department and other partners to perform an ‘extensive overview of the safety of e-bikes and their suitability for transport on the TFL transport network.’
They added that cycles were adjusted with electronic conversion sets a larger fire risk than goal-built e-bikes, but it can be difficult to distinguish between modified and un-modified e-bikes.
“Until improved safety of products is in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers, a ban is needed for all non-folded e-bikes. TFL and LFB are still working with the government to seek improved product safety for electronic cycles.
“TFL is unaware of any reports of foldable e-bike fires in London, and there are fewer opportunities for foldable cycles to be converted into e-bikes using conversion sets, due to their specific form, size and mechanical restrictions.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed concern about the number of incidents where non-folding e-bikes caught fire.
‘London’s safety is my top priority, and although most e-bikes are safe, there were a small number of incidents where non-folding e-bikes caught fire on the transport system, which caused me very worrying.
“This is why TFL, after an extensive overview of the safety of e-bikes, prohibits all non-fold-e-bikes on tube and tracking services. I asked TFL to keep working with the government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.”
TFL’s chief safety, health and environmental officer, Lilli Matson, said the priority remains the safety of customers and colleagues, adding: “This safety ban will play an important role in keeping our transport system safe, and we continue to work with partners in government and further improve the e-bike safety.”
London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Protection and Policy Charlie Pugsley said the move was welcomed by the service because of the risk of e-bike batteries.
‘While we recognize the sustainable benefits of e-bikes, and micromobility in general, to our city, the reality is that we have seen an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, and we are particularly concerned about the risk or modified e-bikes. If these fires can be suddenly, it can suddenly, incredibly zealous and smoke. ‘
Non-folding bikes are not currently allowed on buses and trams, nor allowed e-bikes on the IFS cloud cable car. Non-foldable e-bikes will still be allowed on the Woolwich Ferry, River Services (subject to operator), coaching services (subject to the operator), and on the Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Service when it opens on April 7.
TFL made clear that these changes were revised pending future measures to improve the security of the product by the government, due to the importance of e-bikes and micro-mobility in the city.
