TSSA welcomes TfL e-bike ban but urges further action

TSSA today welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to ban non-folding e-bikes across most of the network, but warns that the ban does not go far enough and is calling for the inclusion of folding e-bikes in the restrictions.

The decision follows repeated safety warnings from TSSA after several alarming incidents involving e-bike fires on station platforms, raising fears about the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries, particularly those used in after-market conversion kits.

TSSA is cautioning that folding e-bikes, whether factory-built or modified, remain a serious hazard that should not be exempt.

TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We welcome TfL’s decision to act on the growing safety threat posed by certain types of e-bikes, particularly those with unregulated conversion kits. However, this ban doesn’t go far enough. Folding e-bikes may be smaller, but they still use the same lithium-ion batteries, and they’re just as capable of catching fire or exploding.

“This is a matter of safety for staff and passengers alike. The risk doesn’t disappear just because a bike folds in half. To truly protect people on the network, TfL must extend the ban to include all e-bikes.”

“Our members see first-hand the dangers these bikes pose. Any e-bike with a faulty battery, poor wiring or a cheap charger is a fire risk, regardless of whether it folds or not. 

TSSA is also concerned about how effectively the ban can be enforced, given ongoing cuts to British Transport Police (BTP) resources. With fewer officers available to patrol stations and respond to incidents, ensuring compliance with the ban will be a challenge.

Maryam Eslamdoust added: “Enforcement is critical. We’re concerned that BTP’s capacity to monitor and enforce this ban will be hampered by ongoing cuts to their resources. Without sufficient staffing and visibility, there’s a real risk that dangerous e-bikes will continue to slip through the cracks, putting lives at risk.

“If TfL is serious about safety, they must also ensure that BTP has the resources necessary to properly enforce this ban and protect the travelling public.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The current ban will apply to non-folding e-bikes across the London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line, and DLR from 31 March.