E-bikes banned on London public transport after unsafe mods cause fires

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that all non-folding e-bikes will be banned from the majority of London’s public transport network. The ban has been driven by the fire risk from regular bikes converted into e-bikes using DIY kits, but extends to purpose-built e-bikes too in the name of easier enforcement. The new ban comes into effect on March 31st, and applies to the London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line, and DLR. The only e-bikes that will be permitted on those services are folding e-bikes, which TfL says are less likely to have been converted into e-bikes using mod kits. That exemption will be a boon for Brompton and Gocycle, two London-based companies that focus on foldable models. TfL says that “cycles that have been adapted using electronic conversion kits pose a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes,” but that “it can be hard to differentiate” modified bikes from other models. The organization adds that the ban is necessary “until improved product safe ... Read full article.