Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is set to give local leaders the powers to stop ‘wild west’ e-bike parking and tackle antisocial behaviour.
While shared e-bikes make short journeys quick and convenient, new government rules are designed to make the schemes work better for everyone.
Local leaders will now be able to licence schemes in their area, allowing them to enforce minimum standards and better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks.
A new consultation has been launched setting out proposed national standards to make journeys safer for everyone and keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.
Measures in the shared cycle scheme consultation, include a parking plan so the bikes aren't inconveniencing the public and a plan for antisocial and illegal behaviour, to prevent users riding shared cycles drunk, underage, or on pavements, and setting out clear consequences such as fines for this behaviour.
There will also be fleet management plans, defined fleet sizes and operating areas, so bikes aren’t overcrowding streets and a fleet maintenance plan so that the bikes are safe to use.
There could also be potential insurance requirements for operators so people can claim compensation if they’re hit by someone on a shared cycle.
The government is also consulting on whether local leaders should have extra powers, including setting fees and requirements for operators to share data to improve enforcement and journey planning.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly, they can be a real frustration.
"I want to sort that by giving communities more control over where they are parked and making sure companies and riders play by the rules.
"While making the big, long-term changes to make transport better and more affordable for people across the country, this is a small but important everyday fix to make our streets safer."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel around our towns and cities. They are easy to use, get us active and help reduce emissions, but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate.
"That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer."
