Tag Archive: UK

  1. UK government might clamp down on cycle-to-work tax perks

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    Source: Cycling Electric, EV Powered, FT

    The UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is reported to be considering placing a cap on the amount employees can spend on bikes under the Cycle to Work scheme, as stories of individuals spending large amounts on high-end electric leisure models make headlines.

    The plan has prompted heated discussion in the cycling and wider transport industries, with many highlighting that electric bikes, including cargo models enabling zero-emission family transport, may have a higher price tag than traditional bikes, but are highly effective in providing green commuting options.

    Under the Cycle to Work scheme, employees can purchase a bike and accessories through an interest-free loan via their employer, which they pay back through payroll deductions. When the scheme was introduced in 1999, an upper limit of £1,000 was in place, but this was removed in 2019. The government’s own figures show that the vast majority of purchases made through the scheme come under the £2,000 mark, with only 6% over £2,000.

    The argument and counter-arguments

    A headline-grabbing statement by an unnamed government figure has been countered with insights from cycling and transport industry representatives. The government official said, “Cycle to work should be about helping ordinary commuters switch to greener travel, not giving tax breaks to high earners buying £4,000 e-bikes for weekend rides in the Surrey Hills. Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for luxury leisure.” The available HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) figures show there were approximately 209,000 scheme claimants in 2023-24 with a baseline cost of £130 million, an increase from 167,000 in 2019-20 with a cost of £55 million.

    Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at Cycling UK, highlighted the successes of the scheme, while pointing out its current limitations in only being available to PAYE employees, which excludes those such as the self-employed or in less formal working situations. “The Cycle to Work scheme plays a really important role in encouraging people to travel in a healthy and more affordable way – but we need a more progressive plan to support more people on lower incomes, or in unstable work, to cycle. While capping the scheme may sound like a sensible way for Ministers to save money, in reality, it will cost the government a lot more. For every £1 spent on the Cycle to Work scheme, we see over £4 in returns: boosting productivity, reducing sick days, and saving households money.

    “With the popularity of e-bikes and cargo bikes soaring, supporting these trends is not just good for individuals, but for the economy as a whole. Any proposal to cap the scheme must consider people who require higher-cost cycles, such as cargo bikes or assisted cycles for disabled people. If the government is serious about providing equal access to active travel, it needs to tailor the scheme to take into account women, families, those with disabilities and people in lower paid or unstable work.”

    A cycle retailer perspective comes from Will Pearson, co-owner of Pearson Cycles. “Customers are far more likely to consistently use their bikes if they are of a certain quality, reliable and efficient – and that often comes at a higher price tag. The government should leave the scheme alone or, ideally, improve the incentives rather than restrict them.”

    Jamie Milroy, CEO and Founder of cycle-to-work platform Dash, responded with data gleaned from the platform: “Just 1.25% of transactions are for more than £5k, with many including adapted cycles or family/cargo-style bikes.

    “These are the bikes which arguably deliver the highest benefit for the scheme!

    “Let’s also remember the scheme has a powerful self-regulating mechanism in that employers must fund/guarantee employee activity, providing natural checks while allowing discretion for higher value purchases where there’s need.”

  2. How can the UK catch up with Europe in e-bike uptake?

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    Source: Cycling Electric

    A recent 2024 ranking of European e-bike sales in 30 countries saw Norway and Denmark lead with 36.2 and 36.1 e-bikes sold per 1,000 people, while the UK lagged far behind with only 2.1 per 1,000. Cycling Electric has evaluated the reasons behind this and how change can be achieved.

    Generally speaking, a country’s e-bike uptake corresponds with its prosperity – the higher the GDP, the greater the adoption of e-bikes. However, there are three key underlying factors which influence e-bike adoption, and have been effectively deployed by the leading nations:

    • Financial support in the form of incentives such as grants and rebates which can help remove or reduce an initial barrier.
    • Investment in bike-focused infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, which can help reassure those looking to purchase an e-bike that there is a practical and safe route for daily riding.
    • Clear product regulation and robust enforcement help to boost consumer confidence, and reduce the concerns of building managers – whether residential or commercial – regarding parking and charging of e-bikes.

    Financial incentives

    Incentives which go beyond salary-sacrifice models, such as the UK’s Cycle to Work scheme, can enable more people to make the decision to purchase an e-bike. Salary-sacrifice schemes can be beneficial for many people, but are not feasible for the self-employed, or those who cannot afford to reduce their income. Alternative models such as grants or VAT relief on everyday transport or commuting bikes would assist in making the barrier to purchase less insurmountable.

    Improved, connected infrastructure

    Some improvements to cycle infrastructure are seen in individual cities, but there is a lack of consistency. For potential riders new to cycling in urban environments, one junction that’s difficult to navigate could put them off cycling altogether. Those European nations that are leading in e-bike uptake have made cycling infrastructure consistency a priority.

    Product confidence

    The UK has seen a lot of negative news stories highlighting illegal or modified electric bikes, leading to confusion on the topic. Clearer communication through such initiatives as the E-bike Positive campaign about what constitutes a legal e-bike, and robust enforcement of regulations against illegal, dangerous products, will help boost confidence.

    E-bike security

    E-bike theft is on the rise, and for those considering commuting by e-bike, inconsistent employer attitudes to parking and charging can be a barrier. Those employers who have implemented trials for secure parking and charging policies can help remove this barrier and encourage two-wheeled commuting. It is also noted that a larger share of insurance policies now include e-bikes, indicating that more riders are starting to treat e-bikes as a daily transport mode.

    How does the future look?

    Retailers are seeing increased awareness of the everyday benefits of e-bikes, and the company which authored the research into Europe’s e-bike uptake, Paul’s Cycles, has seen strong year-on-year e-bike revenue in the first half of 2025.

    Policies are quick to implement if the will is there. A combination of clear, simple, well-publicised subsidies with workplace incentives, parking and charging, and infrastructure planning and investment, would be likely to boost uptake, particularly for those facing a longer ride, multiple hills, or poorly interconnected public transport.

  3. Pressure for UK government to crack down on dangerous e-bikes

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    Source: MicromobilityBiz, Retail Gazette, Drive

    The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) warns of a “fake e-bike” safety crisis and calls for urgent Government action.

    APPGCW has published a report titled “Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes”, which outlines “How fake e-bikes pose a safety risk and undermine the UK’s active travel efforts”. APPGCW also made an announcement to accompany the report’s release, which is shared in full below. APPGCW has also written to the head of Amazon UK, calling on the business to immediately stop sales of non-road legal cycles which are capable of travelling at 40 mph, as well as all equipment used to turn legitimate e-bikes into so-called “fake e-bikes”.

    Similar concerns are being aired in Australia, where an increased use of electric-powered bikes for food delivery has been noted, and industry bodies are campaigning for legal changes to be made. “The rules are already there under the Road Vehicle Standards Act. But they’re being ignored by overseas sellers, by delivery platform operators, and increasingly by riders who use these bikes for commercial gain,” said Peter Jones, CEO of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce.

    APPGCW Announcement

    Unsafe e-bike products linked to fires and gig economy exploitation prompt calls for online marketplace regulation, scrappage schemes, and stronger protections for riders.

    A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) warns of a growing public safety and fire risk caused by the widespread use of unsafe, illegally modified e-bikes, referred to as “fake e-bikes”, purchased through online marketplaces and frequently used in the gig economy.

    The cross-party report follows a detailed inquiry that took both written and oral evidence from fire services, police, industry bodies, gig economy workers, academics, and regulators. It finds that the UK’s lack of regulation and enforcement around e-bike safety is putting lives at risk, particularly among delivery riders operating in low-paid, high-pressure environments.

    The report heard evidence that the current food delivery systems are comparable to the ‘sweated labour’ of England’s 1840s industrial revolution and that witnesses had “never seen people on a daily basis as badly exploited as food delivery riders”.

    During the inquiry, the APPGCW was able to easily find e-bikes sold by major online retailers with 40 mph speeds described as ‘for city commutes’, and a 2000W bike with a throttle pictured being used on city streets; both are illegal. Another search on Amazon found an unsafe charger with an unfused clover leaf plug, and multiple charging cables supplied, both of which are considered a fire risk by experts.

    Among the key issues identified in the report “Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes”:

    – A surge in battery fires caused by unregulated e-bike conversion kits, low-cost batteries, and poor-quality imports.

    – Exploitation of gig economy riders, who are incentivised to use faster, often illegal bikes to meet delivery targets.

    – Online marketplaces selling unsafe products with little or no oversight, enforcement, or legal liability.

    – Confusion for landlords, insurers, and transport operators, leading to blanket bans that affect users of legitimate e-bikes, including disabled people.

    The report makes urgent recommendations, including:

    – Calling on online retailers to immediately withdraw unsafe e-bike items from sale.

    – Making online marketplaces legally accountable for unsafe listings.

    – Working to create a government-backed e-bike safety kitemark in order to enable transport authorities and insurance companies to confidently lift e-bike bans.

    – Reinstating ‘worker’ status for gig economy riders to guarantee rights and protections.

    – Ending the Road-Legal Loophole that allows illegal vehicles to be sold under the guise of off-road use.

    – Enforcing compliance from delivery platforms. Require delivery companies to run real-time compliance checks on the bikes used by couriers.

    – Equipping police with new, simpler powers to seize unsafe e-bikes.

    – Introducing a scrappage scheme for dangerous bikes used by couriers, funded by delivery companies.

    Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the APPGCW, said:

    “This is a crisis hiding in plain sight. While responsible cycling businesses continue to meet high safety standards, the rise of illegal and unsafe e-bikes, often bought online and used in the gig economy, has created serious risks for riders, the public, and the future of active travel. We need urgent action from Government and industry to stop unsafe products entering the UK and to protect those being exploited while trying to earn a living.”

    The report highlights the need for a cross-departmental response and urges Government to act decisively through an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill and take on board the report’s recommendations for the upcoming Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to close dangerous loopholes, improve enforcement capacity, and support the shift to safe, sustainable transport.

  4. UK citizens recognise e-scooter benefits but safety concerns remain

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    Source: Ipsos

    Ipsos UK has published a new study revealing British public opinion towards e-scooters. The potential for environmental and cost benefits is well-recognised in the findings, but worries about pedestrian safety are at the fore.

    61% of those surveyed agreed that e-scooters have a negative effect on pedestrian safety, and this view is more marked when splitting into an older demographic (81% in the 55-75 age-group) and a younger demographic (43% in the 16-34 age-group and 61% in the 35-54 age-group).

    39% see e-scooters as positive for the environment, and 40% are positive about the cost of travel associated with e-scooters.

    In the UK, privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle paths and pavements. The study posed questions about the potential legalisation of e-scooters in different scenarios; 48% of respondents were in favour of legalising their use on cycle lanes, but there was strong opposition to their use on pavements (62%) and roads (51%).

    Ben Glanville of Ipsos said: “Our research highlights a complex relationship between the public and e-scooters. While there’s a clear acknowledgement of the potential environmental and economic benefits, safety concerns, particularly regarding pedestrians, remain paramount. This suggests a need for targeted interventions, such as improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, to mitigate these risks and unlock the full potential of e-scooters as a sustainable mode of transport.”

  5. UK sees increased interest in e-bikes from young adults, but product education critically needed

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    Source: Cycling Electric, IFSJ

    The UK-based E-bike Positive Campaign has published fresh survey results, which show a steep rise in the number of adults aged 25 to 34 who are more likely to buy an e-bike than they were a year ago. This is, however, accompanied by a wide knowledge gap in the identification of safe, reputable products.

    In the survey of almost 2,000 people across the UK, nearly half of those in the 25-34 age bracket, 49.34%, said they are more likely now to travel by e-bike than they were one year ago, rather than by public transport or car. The overall population had 20.47% saying they would be looking to use pedal-assisted bikes in the near future.

    According to the survey, understanding of what a road-legal electric bike is remains low. Over half of respondents said they would consider purchasing e-bike components including batteries, chargers and conversion kits from online marketplaces. This, of course, opens up a real possibility of them purchasing non-manufacturer approved items, which have not been through the stringent tests associated with high-quality items from reputable brands and suppliers.

    Data recently published by the UK Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) shows that 211 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters were reported by fire and rescue services in 2024. Soberingly, 170 of the 211 fires involved e-bikes, and 45% of the e-bike fires (77 incidents) involved post-market conversions. The International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) points out that “these conversions are typically kits added to standard pedal bicycles, often outside manufacturer-approved conditions.”

    LEVA-EU emphasises the critical importance of awareness around DIY and non-standard conversion kits, stating, “LEVA-EU strongly advises against illegal products and components, especially the dangerous tampering of electronic components by end-consumers.”

    Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK, said: “We’ve seen firsthand the difference road-legal e-bikes have made to people’s lives, helping them save money on shorter journeys, and providing young people with an easy and affordable way to stay healthy. The passion that Gen Z and Millennials have for their health and the environment go hand in hand with cycling.

    “That’s why we need to do all that we can to clearly explain the difference between safe road-legal e-bikes and potentially unsafe aftermarket alternatives. With 1 in 4 people unable to make the distinction between what’s safe and what isn’t when it comes to e-bikes, we need to do more to increase awareness so people can make informed decisions when it comes to travel choices.”

    The E-Bike Positive Campaign aims to improve the British public’s knowledge of safe and legal e-biking and the benefits it brings.

  6. UK Bicycle Association urges implementation of E-bike Action Plan

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    The UK’s Bicycle Association (BA) has published a comprehensive E-bike Action Plan for the government, which aims to tackle the thorny topic of fires which are attributed to unsafe e-bike batteries.

    The plan takes care to emphasise strongly that these fires are mainly caused by unsafe or incompatible products which have been sourced from poorly-regulated online marketplaces; this is in contrast to standards-compliant, safe e-bike products which are handled and sold by many of BA’s member retailers. The plan also highlights that the “gig economy” of delivery riders is one of the main catalysts in the demand for the unsafe products, and calls for reform of this sector.

    The BA outlines three key actions required of Government:

    • Stop unsafe imports, particularly those reaching consumers directly via poorly regulated online marketplaces
    • Reform of the “gig economy” delivery sector, which drives demand for unsafe e-bike conversion kits, batteries and chargers, and incentivises the “tuning” or de-restriction of legal e-bikes 
    • Close legal loopholes which permit the legal sale of non-road-legal e-bikes and conversion kits

    BA Executive Director, Steve Garidis, said:

    “Even the safest, fully legal e-bikes are being seriously reputationally damaged by association with fires in unsafe products completely beyond the UK industry’s control. The legitimate e-bike category in the UK is at serious risk as a result. E-bike sales have fallen significantly in recent years, in stark contrast to the worldwide trend, as users face repeated headlines about e-bike dangers, and consequent blanket restrictions on access and insurance.

    Companies in the legitimate UK cycle industry take full legal responsibility for the safety of the products they supply. We think it’s high time that the online marketplaces and gig economy delivery companies take on that same responsibility, and that sales of non-road-legal e-bikes are banned.”

    The plan also highlights that the UK cycling industry is already proactively helping consumers and other stakeholders (including premises managers and transport operators) to distinguish between reputable, safe e-bikes and high-risk products. Steps taken include:

    • Setting up a voluntary “BA register of safety-audited e-bike brands”, enabling consumers identify reputable brands
    • Establishing the “E-bike Positive Responsible Retailer Pledge” to identify shops committed the safe supply and repair of e-bikes and associated components
    • Publishing consumer guidance to assist in buying and charging safely
    • Engaging actively with key stakeholders including government, transport authorities, public transport operators and organisations, the insurance and underwriter industries, international standards development bodies, fire and rescue services, safety charities and more

    The E-bike Action Plan can be downloaded here.

  7. UK parliament launches inquiry into e-bike safety and gig economy practices

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    Source: Cycling Electric

    The UK Parliament is initiating an inquiry into e-bike safety, with particular attention given to the role of the gig economy in encouraging the modification of electric bikes and the use of potentially hazardous upgrade kits that may pose thermal risks.

    The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) is now soliciting evidence from a range of stakeholders. These include industry professionals, delivery riders with relevant experience, advocacy organisations, policy experts, emergency services, and other concerned parties.

    Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the APPGCW, noted the potential of e-bikes to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable transport system. However, he expressed concern that this potential could be compromised by the proliferation of low-quality imported conversion kits. He highlighted the pressures experienced by gig economy workers, who may resort to using unregulated or unsafe equipment to enhance their earnings. In some cases, these products may constitute illegally modified motorcycles rather than compliant e-bikes, which could harm the reputation of legitimate e-bike manufacturers.

    Public perception has also been affected by media reports that may have misrepresented the root causes of fire risks associated with electric bikes. This has led to actions such as landlords and building managers restricting e-bike storage and use, and Transport for London banning e-bikes from its services. Additionally, some insurers have begun to deny coverage to bike shops, despite most shops not selling the types of kits linked to thermal incidents. This has raised concerns about the impact on independent retailers, which have not been responsible for distributing dangerous components.

    Specialist e-bike insurers have indicated that, based on their data, e-bike fire risks are minimal, suggesting that media narratives may have contributed disproportionately to public alarm.

    The inquiry aims to clarify the scope of the issue, explore its implications for the cycling industry and public safety, and identify practical responses. It also presents an opportunity to reassess public understanding of electric bikes amid industry challenges that have included shop closures and job losses.

  8. Cycling rises by more than 50% in City of London

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    Source: BBC

    Cycling in the City of London – the UK capital city’s financial district, also known as the Square Mile – has risen by over 50% in the past two years, based on official traffic counts.

    In October 2024, an average of 139,000 people cycled daily across 30 monitored locations, compared to 89,000 in 2022. The City of London Corporation reported that this increase represents the most significant rise in cycling numbers since data collection began in 1999.

    According to the Corporation, cyclists now make up 56% of all traffic during peak commuting hours. Additionally, dockless bicycles now comprise approximately one in six bikes on City of London streets.

    This shift in transport patterns has led the City of London Corporation to meet three major traffic and environmental targets ahead of the original 2030 schedule. Since 2017, cycling has increased by 70% – surpassing the initial goal of a 50% increase by 2030. Over the same period, motor traffic has decreased by 34% (exceeding the 25% reduction target), and freight traffic has dropped by 21% (surpassing the 15% goal).

    The Corporation also noted improvements in air quality. Chairman of the planning and transportation committee, Shravan Joshi, stated that the number of locations exceeding nitrogen dioxide limits has declined from 15 in 2019 to two in the most recent data.

  9. UK e-bike operators tackle rising incidents of battery theft

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    Lithium-ion batteries used in rental e-bikes across the UK are increasingly being targeted by thieves. Several TikTok videos have surfaced showing individuals how to remove the glued-on battery cases, which are later sold online or repurposed to convert traditional bicycles into electric bikes using conversion kits.

    Zag Daily’s Editor, Ben Hubbard, told The Times that battery theft has become a more “organised and calculated” issue for micromobility providers in recent years. “The cells are highly valuable,” he said. “Operators need reporting on battery theft to lead to convictions so people don’t think it’s a free-for-all.” Despite this, successful prosecutions remain rare.

    The financial impact on operators can be significant. In Liverpool, micromobility company Voi reported losses exceeding £500,000 after 700 e-scooter batteries were stolen two years ago. In London, Forest experiences an average of 10 battery thefts per month, retrieving roughly half.

    Battery theft reduces the number of available vehicles, affecting overall fleet utilisation and operational efficiency.

    To combat theft, operators are adopting various preventative measures. These include placing security stickers on bikes, locating parking zones in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas, and installing trackers inside batteries. French battery manufacturer Gouach has trialled a geolocation system that detects unusual battery movements. Their batteries also include cryptographic chips, which prevent them from functioning in non-affiliated vehicles.

    Forest stated that their batteries are intentionally difficult to access. They are encased in a thick adhesive that hardens into a cake-like substance, which protects the cells and reduces the risk of fire.

    Some companies have explored more aggressive deterrents. Irish operator Zeus considered using dye packs that would stain thieves, though the idea was ultimately rejected due to safety concerns during routine battery swaps.

    UK-based operator Beryl reports fewer issues with theft, attributing this to its integrated battery design. “our batteries are designed to be robust and are very difficult to break into should they ever be stolen. The cells are encased in a thick glue which forms a cake-like substance which means they are hard to access and protects the cells against a fire.” said Tom White, Beryl’s Micromobility Planner. He added that the company also uses CCTV footage to support monitoring and theft prevention efforts.