Transport for London (TfL) will ban non-folded e-bikes across the city’s public transport network from March 31 as part of a safety initiative following several fire incidents.
In February, an e-bike exploded on the Rayners Lane tube platform, intensifying calls for restrictions. TfL has now taken action by prohibiting e-bikes and standard bicycles converted to run on electricity using conversion kits.
The ban extends to the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR, buses, trams, and the IFS cable car. TfL says it will review these changes and work with central government and London Fire Brigade to enhance safety across its services.
“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,” said Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
“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 health, safety, and environment officer, explained the decision: “Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues. We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network and following this review, we will be putting this safety ban in place from 31 March 2025.”
“Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services. 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.”
One of the UK’s leading e-bike retailers supported the ban. Ben Mercer, marketing director at Leisure Lakes Bikes, commented: “There’s no doubt that this is the right call, to ensure customer and staff safety on the transport network and to work towards building a safer London.”
“Around 200 fires recorded in 2023, resulting in 10 fatalities, were started in e-bikes or e-scooters, powered by lithium-ion batteries. The issue is that lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-bike conversion kits can pose a serious fire risk through a process known as thermal runaway. Both producers and suppliers of lithium-ion batteries need to do more to make sure their products are in line with legal safety requirements.”
The London Fire Brigade has launched a #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness about fire risks and educate residents on safely charging and storing e-bikes. The brigade is also working with the Government to improve regulations for e-bikes and scooters.
In early March 2025, landlords of a “grossly overcrowded” London flat were fined almost £100,000 after an e-bike battery caught fire, resulting in one death. Since 2023, three people have died and over 100 have been injured due to e-bike fires.
