Dangerous “fake” e-bikes undermining UK’s cycling efforts and putting industry at risk, say MPs calling for clampdown
The cross-party group says “reputational damage to a critical mode of transport” must be addressed, while urging the government to protect “exploited” food couriers
The cross-party group says “reputational damage to a critical mode of transport” must be addressed, while urging the government to protect “exploited” food couriers
road.cc
https://appgcw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/APPGCW-Report-Unregulated-and-Unsafe-Final.pdf
• Withdraw Unsafe E-Bike Items From Sale Immediately
We call on online retailers to immediately withdraw from sale all e-bike conversion kits, batteries, and chargers that lack appropriate product certification or exceed power or speed limits defined within EAPC (Electrically assisted pedal cycles) guidelines. These items are fuelling fire risks and undermining public safety. Following this voluntary action, use the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to impose binding duties on online marketplaces: they must verify sellers, ensure product safety, and immediately remove dangerous listings. Marketplaces should be held fully liable for the sale of unsafe or non-compliant e-bike products.
• Fix The Gig Economy Loopholes
Tackle gig economy exploitation and eliminate the legal grey area of ‘substiution’ that allows platforms to avoid responsibility. Reintroduce ‘worker’ status for gig economy riders, based on the EU Platform Work Directive or the UK’s previously proposed Single Worker Status, to guarantee protections, including minimum wage and health and safety rights.
Stop incentivising dangerous riding by mandating that delivery companies structure pay so that riders earn a living wage across full shifts, not just per delivery. Remove the need to take risks in order to make ends meet.
• End the Road-Legal Loophole
Close the dangerous gap that allows illegal vehicles to be sold under the guise of off-road use. Require a demonstrable legal use case for high-powered e-bikes and electric motorbikes. Fast-track legislation to legalise and regulate safe, certified e-scooters.
• Lift E-Bike Bans Through Safety Certification
Create a clear route to lifting bans on e-bikes in buildings and on public transport by introducing a government-backed kitemark scheme, developed with the cycling industry, to identify safe, legal and fire-tested e-bikes. In addition, fast-track the new standard (PAS 7250) to address battery and conversion kit safety.
• Give Police Clear Powers to Act
Equip police with specific powers to seize unsafe or illegal e-bikes, separate from existing powers under section 165a of the Road Traffic Act, to enable faster, clearer enforcement. Improve Police data collection around journey purpose in collision database, STATS19, including work trips; mileage, industry and mode of travel, and distinguish between e-bike vs pedal cycle, and between compliant and ‘fake’ e-bikes. Enhance resourcing to remove dangerous e-bikes from streets and sellers with additional resourcing for the DVSA market surveillance unit team, and for Trading Standards, to crack down on irresponsible sellers and importers.
• Enforce Compliance from Delivery Platforms
Require delivery companies to run real-time compliance checks using GPS or accelerometer data and to implement robust verification systems - such as timestamped, geotagged bike photos - before and during shifts.
• Fund a National Scrappage Scheme
Launch an e-bike scrappage or swap scheme to get dangerous bikes and batteries off the streets. The cost must be covered by the delivery companies profiting from their use.
www.bbc.co.uk
