The UK Parliament is raising alarm about the growing prevalence of illegal and hazardous electric bikes, particularly used by gig economy delivery riders.
MPs are urgently calling for immediate action to curb the sale of these vehicles, which are described as a serious threat to road safety and an increasing fire hazard.
A report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling and Walking describes the situation as “a crisis hiding in plain sight” and warns that high-speed electric bikes equipped with poorly produced batteries significantly increase fire risks.
Under British law, electric bikes may only assist the rider up to a speed of 15.5 mph and have a maximum motor output of 250 watts.
Nevertheless, major online retailers continue selling illegal models capable of speeds up to 40 mph and motors of 2,000 watts, circumventing the legislation by claiming these bikes are exclusively intended for off-road use.
Delivery drivers, especially in urban areas, frequently use these electric bikes and conversion kits with batteries not complying with British safety standards, causing a sharp increase in fire incidents.
The London Fire Brigade recorded just eight incidents involving electric bikes or scooters in 2019; this figure rose dramatically to 116 in 2022 and 179 in 2023.
Fabian Hamilton, the Labour MP who chairs the group, told The Guardian: “We need swift action from the government and industry to stop these unsafe products from entering the UK market and protect those being exploited as they try to earn a living.”
The group is now calling for police to have clearer powers to seize illegal electric bikes and is proposing a scrappage scheme funded by the delivery companies themselves to remove these dangerous vehicles from the streets.
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