VOLT’s Response on the TfL E-Bike Ban

There’s been widespread media coverage of Transport for London’s (TfL) recent decision to ban non-folding e-bikes from the Tube, Elizabeth Line, and London Overground.

At VOLT, we believe in the power of e-bikes to transform urban travel. We also believe safety should always be of the highest priority. With that priority, there is a real need for clear, evidence-based policies that don’t inadvertently restrict sustainable transport options that already adhere to stringent safety regulations.

Our thoughts on this issue have been featured in The Evening Standard, Metro, Cycling Weekly, Road.cc, and further syndicated via MSN and Inkl. This debate is gaining traction, and for good reason. London is at a critical point in its journey towards a cleaner, more active transport network. E-bikes are a vital part of this vision, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to cars, reducing congestion, and improving air quality. A blanket ban risks undermining these benefits and discouraging more people from making the switch to two wheels.

Safety First – Always

There’s no doubt that safety concerns around e-bike batteries need to be taken seriously. The rise in incidents involving unregulated or modified e-bikes and e-scooters is a valid concern, and ensuring passenger safety on public transport must be a priority. However, rather than imposing sweeping bans, we need clear distinctions between safe, compliant e-bikes – (like those we design at VOLT) – and the flood of unregulated models that are causing concern.

Certified e-bikes that meet UK and EU regulations undergo extensive safety testing and adhere to strict manufacturing standards. The real issue lies with non-compliant or tampered batteries, often found in cheaply made or illegally modified models. Rather than penalising responsible e-bike riders, a more targeted approach – such as clearer regulations, improved enforcement, and public awareness campaigns – would help address safety concerns without compromising sustainable transport choices.

Keeping London Moving

At VOLT, we remain committed to advocating for smart, sustainable travel solutions that support London’s journey towards a greener future. E-bikes have the potential to revolutionise city travel, making commuting easier, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. Policies should reflect this reality, promoting safety while enabling more people to embrace e-bikes as a viable mode of transport.

We’ll continue fighting to ensure that e-bike policies are fair, informed, and forward-thinking. That means pushing for clearer regulations, better enforcement of existing laws, and ongoing discussions with policymakers to ensure that safety measures don’t come at the expense of progress.

The conversation is far from over, and we encourage e-bike riders, transport advocates, and policymakers to join us in calling for balanced, evidence-based regulations.

For further coverage and discussion on this issue, check out:

Evening Standard Coverage

Additional coverage from Metro, Cycling Weekly, Road.cc