E-bike Ban Imminent on London Underground After Fires

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a ban on non-folding electric bikes, effective March 31, 2025, due to safety concerns over e-bike battery fires. This decision follows a series of incidents, including an e-bike explosion at Rayners Lane station, prompting worries from unions about potential casualties. TfL's review found that while most e-bikes are safe, those converted from standard bicycles pose a greater fire risk, necessitating a blanket ban until improved safety measures are developed. Folding e-bikes will still be allowed since they are less likely to have been modified. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, emphasized that the safety of Londoners is paramount and that the regulations will be continuously reviewed. The ban also reflects ongoing efforts to collaborate with the government to enhance e-bike and e-scooter safety regulations.