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

Andy Burnham said ministers are considering tougher controls on the sale of e-bikes and conversion kits that fail to meet legal limits. The proposal follows concerns raised in Parliament that illegally modified, fast-moving bikes are putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.

UK rules require e-bikes to provide motor assistance only while pedalling, cut off assistance at 15.5mph and have a maximum motor power of 250 watts. Conversion kits sold online can enable bikes to exceed those limits; other recent measures include Deliveroo’s plan to monitor riders’ speeds and a government consultation on e-bike parking.