TfL’s ban on e-bikes starts today – here’s everything you need to know

Last week TfL revealed that it would soon become the UK’s first transport operator to enforce a ban on non-folded e-bikes. That ban comes into effect today (March 31) and while it doesn’t apply to all Transport for London services, it does cover most of them. 

The ban includes all non-folding e-bikes (including standard bicycles that have been converted), as well as e-scooters and e-unicycles, and it applies to the tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR. Non-folded e-bikes were already not permitted on buses and trams, nor the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Are you a frequent user of e-bikes or scooters on the tube? Here’s everything you need to know about the ban.

Why are e-bikes and scooters being banned?

After a spate of incidents in which e-bikes have caught fire on London’s transport network, TfL has worked with the London Fire Brigade to improve passenger safety. 

TfL’s analysis suggested that ‘cycles that have been adapted using electronic conversion kits pose a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes’. However, apparently it is difficult to differentiate between modified and un-modified bikes, leading to the general ban.

TfL has said that the ban will be in place until there are better safety measures for converted cycles, batteries and chargers. 

Why are folding e-bikes exempted from the ban?

TfL says that folding e-bikes are less likely to have been modified, and so they’re less of a safety risk.

Where are non-foldable e-bikes allowed? 

On TfL services, you can take non-folding bikes on the Woolwich Ferry, river and coach services (depending on the operator), and the Silvertown Tunnel’s new shuttle bus – which launches on April 7 and you can find out more about here.

On non-TfL services, non-foldable e-bikes have been mostly banned for several years (since June 2023, in fact). The likes of Great Northern, Thameslink and Southeastern all do not allow non-foldable e-bikes in stations or on trains. 

What’s been said about the ban?

Commenting on 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.’

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said: ‘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.’

London tube and train closures this week: full list of travel disruption for March 31-April 4.

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