E-bikes are at the center of safety, regulation and urban mobility debates as cities tighten rules on batteries, charging and riding behavior.
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.
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 rapid-spreading blaze in Bootle has claimed the lives of four people and injured others. Authorities say the fire was sparked by an electrical event linked to a lithium-ion battery. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause.
The UK government has launched a consultation to set national standards for shared e‑bikes — covering parking, fleet management, insurance and data sharing — and to tighten rules on illegal riding. Scotland has increased seizures and is destroying illegally modified vehicles, while Kenya's motorists' association has launched a self‑regulation campaign after rising road deaths. New York communities are pushing park bans after crashes.