Drunk and dangerous e-bike riders face on-the-spot fines under crackdown

The government has proposed national rules for shared e-bike schemes, including possible on-the-spot fines for riders who are drunk, ride dangerously or jump red lights. The plans aim to reduce unsafe riding and pavement obstruction, while giving local leaders more control over how schemes operate.

A consultation will consider licensing operators and requiring plans for parking, fleet sizes and operating areas, as well as insurance so people hit by shared-bike riders can seek compensation. The proposals also address underage riding and riding on pavements, and could give councils powers to set fees and require operators to share data. London recorded 37 million dockless e-bike trips last year, a third more than the year before.