Drunk and dangerous e-bike riders face on-the-spot fines under crackdown

People riding drunk or dangerously on e-bikes – and those who jump red lights - could face on-the-spot fines under plans to curb anti-social behaviour. Firms which run shared e-bike schemes will also be expected to manage their fleets better and provide designated parking areas to keep pavements safe. They could also be required to take out insurance so people can claim compensation if they are hit by someone on a shared bike.

It's part of a crackdown on what ministers called the "wild west" of e-biking – with a patchwork of rules across the country often leaving the streets unsafe for pedestrians. A consultation launched on Thursday sets out proposed national standards to make journeys safer for everyone and keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams. The first e-bikes were launched in Exeter in 2016 and arrived in London a year later, growing to become a popular commuter option.

According to the Greater London Authority, 37 million trips were taken on dockless e-bikes last year – a third more than the previous year.