London Councils is calling on the government to introduce urgent secondary legislation to tackle the growing sale of unsafe e-bikes, conversion kits, and uncertified lithium-ion batteries, as part of Road Safety Week.
Boroughs across the capital, which manage 95% of London’s roads, has warned that while e-bikes are vital for sustainable travel, the surge in illegally modified and unsafe vehicles is putting riders and the public at serious risk.
London Councils is urging ministers to use powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to:
- Tighten the definition of online marketplaces, making them accountable for unsafe or illegal products
- Empower Trading Standards with stronger enforcement powers, increased resources, and the ability to issue on-the-spot fines and remove unsafe products from sale
Boroughs also want national collision data (STATS19) updated to record crashes involving illegal e-bikes, enabling better monitoring and enforcement.
London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, said:
“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.
“Boroughs are doing everything they can to raise awareness, but we need further legislation on e-bikes in order to keep residents safe. There’s no doubt that e-bikes are part of London’s green future, and we will continue to champion the growth of safe and legal e-bike ridership across the capital.”
Recent reports show converted or high-powered e-bikes reaching speeds of up to 70mph, far above legal limits. These vehicles are classed as motorbikes in law, requiring a licence, registration, insurance, and helmets.
Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has reported a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with four deaths linked to unsafe charging or modification.
To raise awareness, London Councils and Transport for London are launching a digital e-bike safety factsheet for delivery riders, offering practical guidance on identifying legal e-bikes, safe charging and storage, and what to do if a battery fails or catches fire.
Lilli Matson, Health and Environment Officer at Transport for London, also commented:
“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. It is essential that safety remains a priority for everyone sharing our streets, so we’re proud to be working with London Councils to launch a new rider safety factsheet during Road Safety Week.
“Safety is central to everything we do, and we’ve long called for proper industry regulation as we’re concerned by the growing use of unsafe and non-road-legal e-bikes which are often legally motorbikes. Secondary legislation is urgently needed to address the sale of illegally modified e-bikes, conversion kits and uncertified lithium-ion batteries, ensuring higher standards and helping people make safer decisions when purchasing e-bikes.”
While boroughs support the shift to active and low-carbon transport, they warn that without proper safeguards, this positive trend could be undermined. The call is for a balanced approach that enables safe, affordable e-bike use while protecting Londoners from avoidable harm.
Image credit: iStock
