World News Briefs

UK Moving Towards Banning E-bikes & E-scooters From All Government Property.

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has banned e-scooters and modified e-bikes from all government buildings and land. A position statement on the matter also says that other e-bikes will have to be parked in external car parks or open-air areas and that battery charging will not be permitted.

In response to growing concern, the UK cycling sector recently came together to launch the ‘E-Bike Positive’ campaign, the aim of which is to boost knowledge of e-bike battery safety to help the public safely buy, charge, and ride electric bikes.

Commenting on the GPA’s position, the Technical and Policy Director of the Bicycle Association, Peter Eland, expressed hope that ultimately a distinction would be drawn between e-bikes from reputable brands and higher-risk products.

“The Bicycle Association, representing the UK cycle industry, fully understands that premises managers must evaluate and address risks to the safety of their building occupants, including the fire risk from lithium batteries,” he said.

“We hope that it will be possible in future for GPA’s policy to recognise the high level of safety of reputable e-bike brands from responsible retailers, which are thoroughly tested to international standards, and to limit restrictions to high-risk products – for example e-bikes made using conversion kits sourced online, as are frequently used in the ‘gig economy’.