TfL Bans Non-Foldable E-Bikes on London Transport Over Fire Fears
Transport for London (TfL) has announced a major crackdown on non-foldable e-bikes. From 31 March 2025, all non-folding electric bikes will be banned across most TfL services. The move follows a series of alarming battery fires on the network, including a dangerous blaze at Rayners Lane station earlier this year.
Fire Risk Sparks Strict Safety Clampdown
The ban comes after a tough safety review carried out with the London Fire Brigade. TfL’s investigation highlighted how retrofitted e-bikes with electric conversion kits often fail to meet consistent battery and charger standards, posing serious fire hazards. Officially, TfL said it’s nearly impossible to tell modified e-bikes from factory-built ones, prompting a blanket ban for safety.
Union Threats Push TfL to Act
ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, pushed the decision hard, threatening strike action if TfL didn’t nail down the ban following the Rayners Lane incident. TfL agrees: e-bikes with DIY electronic kits spike the risk of battery fires far more than factory-made bikes.
Top Brass Back the Ban
Mayor Sadiq Khan threw his weight behind TfL’s hardline move:
“The safety of Londoners is my top priority. While most e-bikes are safe, a small number of non-foldable e-bike fires have caused me great concern.”
TfL’s chief safety officer, Lilli Matson, echoed the urgency:
“Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues. We’ve worked closely with the London Fire Brigade, and this ban reflects the seriousness of the risks involved.”
The London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Charlie Pugsley, praised the ban:
“It acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose. We continue to call for improved safety standards across the industry.”
What’s Banned and What’s Allowed?
- Non-folding e-bikes banned on London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
- Standard bikes with electric conversion kits also banned
- Non-folding e-bikes already banned on buses and trams
- No e-bikes allowed on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, as before
- Foldable e-bikes meeting TfL’s size and weight rules remain permitted
TfL says the ban will stand until industry-wide safety standards for batteries, conversion kits, and chargers are tightened. For now, passengers are urged to check TfL’s website for the latest travel guidance if they use electric or folding bikes.
