Drunk and Dangerous E-Bike Riders Face On-the-Spot Fines Under Government Crackdown

The UK government is proposing on-the-spot fines for e-bike riders who are drunk or dangerously riding, as part of a crackdown on what ministers have called the "wild west" of e-biking. The measures apply to shared e-bike schemes operated by companies such as Lime, Voi, Beryl, Dott, Forest and Bolt, as well as dockless e-bike users. A consultation launched on Thursday sets out proposed national standards to make journeys safer, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams. According to the Greater London Authority, 37 million trips were taken on dockless e-bikes last year, a third more than the previous year. Under the government's proposals, local leaders will be able to licence schemes in their area, allowing them to enforce minimum standards and better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks. Measures could include requiring operators to have a parking plan and to manage fleet sizes and operating areas, so bikes aren't overcrowding streets. The consultation will also consider ways to tackle antisocial and illegal behaviour, to prevent users from riding shared cycles drunk, underage, or on pavements. There will also be clear consequences set out – such as fines for this type of behaviour. The government is also consulting on whether local leaders should have extra powers, including setting fees and requirements for operators to share data to improve enforcement and journey planning. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the e-bike clampdown was a "small but important everyday fix" which would make streets safer. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes would "stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer". Bosses at Lime, Voi and Bolt all welcomed the proposals, adding that consistent standards being applied across the country would provide clarity and certainty for operators, riders and the general public.

Source: BBC Business