The UK government has proposed new rules for shared e-bike schemes in England, including giving local leaders the power to licence operators in their areas, the Department for Transport announced on 5 November 2026. A consultation launched the same day sets out proposed national standards intended to keep pavements clear and make journeys safer, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.

Measures under consideration include parking plans, arrangements for addressing antisocial and illegal use such as riding drunk, underage or on pavements, fleet management plans with defined fleet sizes and operating areas, maintenance plans, and potential insurance requirements for operators. The government is also consulting on whether local leaders should have extra powers to set fees and require operators to share data.

In London, the Transport Secretary is working with the Mayor and Transport for London on devolving new powers to TfL so rules are enforced consistently across boroughs. The consultation closes on 31 December 2026. The government also cited £4.5 billion of investment in active travel over the next 5 years, including a recent £104 million for cycling routes.