E-bikes are at the center of urban mobility shifts and safety debates as cities tighten rules around licensing, safety, and the use of lithium-ion batteries.
Two-vehicle crash on the A12 near Colchester has left a six-year-old girl dead and another child injured. Essex Police say the lorry driver passed road-side tests and will be interviewed as investigators work to establish how the incident happened. The road remains closed in both directions as emergency services respond.
A rising tide of fires at recycling centres, bin lorries, and general waste sites has been linked to lithium batteries and e-cigarette devices. The incidents, driven by improper disposal and faulty batteries, have prompted calls for safer disposal and stricter regulation. BBC Verify and other outlets report dozens of blazes since 2019, with the threat growing in urban areas.
Officials across major states are tightening rules on e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices after a spate of injuries and high-profile incidents. The move comes amid a patchwork of local laws and new age, registration and helmet requirements, with critics warning about broad strokes that risk sidelining safe riders.
A wave of illegal e-bikes and dockless bikes is prompting authorities to intensify enforcement and licensing rules across London and other cities. Seizures have risen, and officials say safety and pavement access are at the heart of the crackdown. Meanwhile, operators face tighter regulation and potential penalties.
A fire in a semi‑detached house in Bootle has killed four people inside and another two were injured, as investigations indicate an electrical event related to lithium‑ion batteries used in e‑bikes/e‑scooters. Authorities urge safe battery use and adherence to manufacturer guidance.