Transport for London will ban all non-folding e-bikes across most of its network this week to ensure passenger and staff safety, with Mayor Sadiq Khan backing the new rules.
The decision follows a comprehensive safety review conducted with London Fire Brigade after several incidents where non-foldable e-bikes caught fire on London's transport system.
While most e-bikes are safe, TfL has determined that the risk requires action to protect customers using the capital's transport services.
The ban, which comes into action from March 31, 2025, will affect the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR services.
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Non-folding bikes are already prohibited on buses and trams, and no e-bikes are allowed on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
However, non-foldable e-bikes will still be permitted on the Woolwich Ferry, river services, coach services, and the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Shuttle Service opening on April 7. Foldable e-bikes are not affected by the ban.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
"This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services.
"I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone."
TfL is the first transport operator in the UK to enforce such a ban on its services, despite acknowledging the importance of e-bikes in London's future.
The transport authority said it would continue to work with the Government and London Fire Brigade on improved product safety standards for e-bikes.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said: "Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues.
"Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services.
"This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in Government and beyond to improve e-bike safety."
Charlie Puglsey, Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Protection and Policy at the London Fire Brigade, welcomed the move from the TfL following a detailed safety review.
He warned that across London, the London Fire Brigade had been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average. He acknowledged particular concerns around conversion kits and modified e-bikes.
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Puglsey highlighted the London Fire Brigade's #ChargeSafe campaign, which has been raising awareness of fire risks and how people should charge their vehicles correctly.
He added: "We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been bought from an online marketplace or auction site where products may not meet safety standards."
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The decision follows a comprehensive safety review conducted with London Fire Brigade after several incidents where non-foldable e-bikes caught fire on London's transport system.
While most e-bikes are safe, TfL has determined that the risk requires action to protect customers using the capital's transport services.
The ban, which comes into action from March 31, 2025, will affect the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR services.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Non-folding bikes are already prohibited on buses and trams, and no e-bikes are allowed on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
However, non-foldable e-bikes will still be permitted on the Woolwich Ferry, river services, coach services, and the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Shuttle Service opening on April 7. Foldable e-bikes are not affected by the ban.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
"This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services.
"I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone."
TfL is the first transport operator in the UK to enforce such a ban on its services, despite acknowledging the importance of e-bikes in London's future.
The transport authority said it would continue to work with the Government and London Fire Brigade on improved product safety standards for e-bikes.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said: "Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues.
"Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services.
"This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in Government and beyond to improve e-bike safety."
Charlie Puglsey, Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Protection and Policy at the London Fire Brigade, welcomed the move from the TfL following a detailed safety review.
He warned that across London, the London Fire Brigade had been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average. He acknowledged particular concerns around conversion kits and modified e-bikes.
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Puglsey highlighted the London Fire Brigade's #ChargeSafe campaign, which has been raising awareness of fire risks and how people should charge their vehicles correctly.
He added: "We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been bought from an online marketplace or auction site where products may not meet safety standards."
Find Out More...