The UK government launched a consultation on November 5, 2026 proposing national standards for shared e-bike schemes, aimed at ending what it called a 'wild west' approach to parking. The Department for Transport said the rules would cover parking plans, antisocial and illegal behaviour, fleet management, defined fleet sizes and maintenance, and potential insurance requirements for operators.
The consultation also asks whether local leaders should have extra powers, including setting fees and requiring operators to share data. Local leaders would be able to license schemes in their area and enforce minimum standards. The government said operators have called for more regulation to end the patchwork of rules across different areas.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel around our towns and cities." She added that the government is taking action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking and tackle antisocial behaviour.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly, they can be a real frustration." He said the measures would give communities more control over where bikes are parked.
In London, Alexander is working with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Transport for London on devolving new powers to TfL to ensure rules are implemented and enforced across the capital. Khan said: "The 'wild west' approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue."
