London Councils is calling on e-bike operators to honour procurement agreements with boroughs across the capital, following growing concerns that some companies are continuing to operate with impunity in areas where they do not hold a contract.
In boroughs with an existing agreement, operators are contractually required to ensure that e-bikes are parked in designated bays and not abandoned. If bikes are abandoned, operators must collect and return them to the appropriate locations.
However, some operators have extended their services into boroughs without contracts, failing to meet agreed standards of fleet management. Residents across London have subsequently reported e-bikes left blocking pavements or abandoned in public spaces by companies not authorised to operate locally. This has created safety risks for pedestrians and frustration among riders seeking a reliable, well-managed service.
The forthcoming English Devolution Bill is expected to introduce a new licensing framework for e-bike operators, giving TfL and boroughs the powers they currently lack to regulate the market consistently across London.
Ahead of these changes, boroughs are working to secure fair, consistent agreements with e-bike operators that deliver safe and affordable travel options for Londoners. These contracts set out clear expectations for how services are run – including the requiring of operators to collect and redistribute bikes responsibly and the determining of where bikes can park.
Through this procurement process, boroughs are also securing the best possible deals for residents and riders. In Hackney, for example, the council negotiated a new agreement with operators to offer rides for as little as £1.75 – matching the cost of a TfL bus fare.
This approach ensures that active travel remains affordable and accessible while encouraging more Londoners to choose environmentally friendly ways of getting around the city.
London Councils has welcomed the continued growth in e-bike use across the capital, recognising its environmental and health benefits. However, operators must act responsibly and respect the outcome of boroughs’ procurement processes.
Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said:
“Londoners rightly expect e-bikes to be safe, well-managed, and available on fair terms wherever they live. Boroughs are committed to supporting active travel, but that must go hand in hand with accountability and respect for local agreements.
“These contracts exist to protect residents and public space, while ensuring riders get a reliable, affordable service. We want operators to be partners in building a sustainable, safe network for e-bikes in London, and we will continue our hard work in ensuring residents and riders are at the heart of this.”
The growth of e-bikes across London represents an opportune moment to accelerate low-carbon, healthy travel and make it easier for people to choose active ways of getting around.
To achieve this sustainably, boroughs, operators, and TfL must continue working together productively – ensuring schemes are well-managed, equitable, and deliver the best outcomes for Londoners and their communities.
