E-bikes open cycling up as a truly accessible way for everyone to travel, commute, carry cargo and stay healthy regardless of their fitness level or experience riding bikes.
You can ride an e-bike (also referred to as an e-cycle or electric bike), anywhere you’d ride a normal bike: on the road, on a cycle path or shared-use path, or on a bridleway or byway. You don’t need to be taxed or insured or have any formal training.
Riding an e-bike brings a sense of freedom you can’t get from driving a car. It lowers personal travel costs, helps to cut carbon emissions and reduces inner city travel time. In addition to this, cycling - including using an e-bike or non-standard cycle - has proven mental and physical health benefits. Check out the stats and studies to support this on our resources page.
However, whilst the number of people enjoying the benefits of e-cycling has risen significantly in recent years, so too has the influx into the UK of aftermarket lithium-ion batteries, chargers and conversion kits. These can present a significant fire risk. Learn how to recognise a high-risk product here.
Many people have become hesitant to buy an e-cycle after learning about battery fire incidents, discouraging them from experiencing the benefits of active travel and e-cycling for leisure.
However, two thirds of UK adults say that e-bike battery education would lower their concerns about purchasing and using an e-bike.
This is why the Electric Bike Alliance has launched the ‘E-Bike Positive’ campaign.
The Electric Bike Alliance has launched a campaign to improve the British public’s knowledge of safe and legal e-biking and the benefits it brings. Its aims are:
i) highlighting the many advantages of cycling and e-cycling:
ii) education about purchasing safe e-bikes and accessories, and how to avoid high-risk third-party batteries, chargers and conversion kits:
This would include:
Bicycle retailers and mechanics are the face of the electric bike industry. We are working closely with shops around the UK to ensure that they have the information and resources they need to help consumers to make informed, safe decisions about e-bikes and e-bike components.
See our Help & Advice for Customers & Retailers page for resources and guidance.
The UK cycle industry has already worked closely with the Department for Transport to deliver guidance for premises managers and transport operators, outlining proportionate approaches to manage risks. The industry is also developing an initiative to help managers, and customers, identify safety-audited e-bike brands so as to help distinguish very safe, reputable products from higher-risk items.
See our ‘Media Resources’ section for impartial information, battery safety guidance, independent spokespeople, and electric bike policy breakdowns.
