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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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DfT issues guidance to enhance e-bike and e-scooter safety

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published new information on how to safely purchase, charge and use e-bikes and e-scooters in an effort to improve consumer safety.
Following extensive consultation with industry, guidance on battery safety for both e-scooters and e-bikes will raise awareness for owners on how to safely purchase an e-bike or e-scooter, ensure it meets manufacturing requirements and is only bought from reputable sellers.

Bike battery

The documents also cover safe storage and charging, the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them, and how to dispose of batteries responsibly.

The guidance reminds people that e-scooters cannot be used legally on roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.

Separate guidance has been issued to help public transport operators assess and manage fire risks associated with the carriage of e-bikes and e-scooters on trains and buses.

Similar information has been produced for those managing premises such as schools and workplaces.

Anthony Browne, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, said: “Safety has always been our top priority, which is why our latest guidance aims to improve the awareness of e-bike and e-scooter users in the trial areas where they’re authorised.”

The advice includes buying products from reputable brands and retailers, paying attention to any damaged or compromised batteries, and ensuring any bike being converted to an e-bike is fit for purpose.

The full guidance can be read here.

This announcement follows the Home Office’s advice on fire safety for e-scooters and e-bikes which was published last year.

To further understand the safety of the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters, the Office for Product Safety and Standard (OPSS) is currently conducting a Safety Study and taking enforcement action where unsafe products are found.

The extension of e-scooter trials until May 2026 will also enable the Government to build on current learning across areas including usage, safety, and environmental impacts, and to explore changing travel patterns since the coronavirus pandemic.

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