TfL bans most e-bikes from London’s public transport network

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a ban on non-folded e-bikes across the city’s public transport network from March 31 as part of a passenger and employee safety drive.

There have been a number of incidents where e-bikes have caught fire on the TfL system. In February this year, an e-bike exploded on the platform of the Rayners Lane tube platform, leading to calls for a ban. TfL has since taken action by banning e-bikes and standard bicycles that have been converted to run on electricity using a conversion kit.

As well as the Tube, TfL’s e-bike restriction extends to the Overground, the Elizabeth line, and the DLR. E-bikes are also not permitted on buses, trams, and the IFS cable car. Despite the ban, TfL says that it will review the changes accordingly, and work with central government and London Fire Brigade to improve safety throughout its services.

“The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern,” said Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

“This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. I have asked TfL to continue to work with government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.”

“Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues. We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network and following this review, we will be putting this safety ban in place from 31 March 2025,” added Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief health, safety, and environment officer.

“Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services. This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety.”

On of the UK’s leading e-bike retailers welcomed the decision. Ben Mercer, marketing director at Leisure Lakes Bikes, commented: “There’s no doubt that this is the right call, to ensure customer and staff safety on the transport network and to work towards building a safer London.

“Around 200 fires recorded in 2023, resulting in 10 fatalities, were started in e-bikes or e-scooters, powered by lithium-ion batteries. The issue is that lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-bike conversion kits can pose a serious fire risk through a process known as thermal runaway. Both producers and suppliers of lithium-ion batteries need to do more to make sure their products are in line with legal safety requirements.”

In light of the e-bike fires, the London Fire Brigade has rolled out a #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness about the fire risks, and educate residents on how they can safely charge and store their e-bikes. It is also working with the Government to improve regulations surrounding e-bikes and scooters.

In early March 2025, the landlords of a “grossly overcrowded” London flat were fined almost £100,000 after an e-bike battery caught fire and one man died as a result. Since 2023, three people have lost their lives and over 100 have been hurt due to e-bikes catching fire.