Unions Demand E-Bike Ban on London Underground

Following the explosion of an e-bike at Rayners Lane station on February 27, train drivers' union Aslef and other transport unions are demanding a ban on e-bikes on the London Underground. The incident released toxic fumes and disrupted services, heightening concerns about the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries. Unions assert that an explosion on a train could lead to severe casualties and are threatening strike action if Transport for London (TfL) does not implement a ban. TfL had previously banned e-scooters and e-unicycles after similar incidents in 2021. Aslef's Finn Brennan criticized TfL's inaction, citing the frequent presence of e-bikers on Tube trains as an escalating risk. TfL is reviewing safety measures with the London Fire Brigade but has not yet committed to a ban on e-bikes.