Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There is concern about the use of illegal and non-compliant e-bikes on UK roads, posing safety risks.
What steps her Department is taking to help tackle the use of illegal and non-compliant e-bikes. Consumers should be made aware that a conversion may mean that a cycle no longer meets the legal definition of an “electrically assisted pedal cycle”.
Illegal e-bikes have no place on our roads. My Department has published guidance making it clear that e-bikes exceeding legal power and speed limits are treated as motor vehicles, requiring registration, tax, and insurance. The police enforce these rules. Consumers should be aware that conversions using e-bike kits may mean a cycle does not meet the legal definition of an “electrically assisted pedal cycle”.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The increasing use of illegal e-bikes on streets is causing concern. A shop owner in Carlisle reported incidents involving such bikes, including one where a bike moved uncontrollably through his shop.
I thank the Minister for her response; I know that she shares my concern about the increasing use of illegal e-bikes on our streets. When I visited Palace Cycles in Carlisle, the owner told me that he is increasingly under pressure from people who have illegally modified bikes to do repairs on them. In fact, on one occasion, while he was in discussion with the owner of such a bike, it shot across his shop without anybody being anywhere near it. The bikes are creating risks on our roads and on our high streets. Will the Minister please urge the Department for Business and Trade to use its powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 to ban the sale of these dodgy bike kits?
My hon. Friend is a great champion of e-bike safety. The Department for Business and Trade has consulted on new product safety regulations, seeking views on targeted regulation of some products, including e-bike batteries and conversion kits. The consultation closed on 23 June, and DBT expects to respond in the autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a ban on sale of dodgy bike kits was not addressed directly; instead, ongoing consultations were referenced.
Consultation Process
Response accuracy