TfL to gain e-bike licensing powers as Barnet awaits rules

Transport for London (TfL) is preparing to assume new licensing responsibilities for e-bike operators as part of a forthcoming legislative change. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, passed earlier this year, will grant TfL the authority to establish a city-wide regulatory framework for dockless e-bike services. This aims to address the current inconsistencies where individual London boroughs manage agreements with operators separately.

In Barnet specifically, no e-bike operators have yet been granted permission to operate. The new legislation empowers TfL to license operators, potentially limit the number of bikes on streets, and dictate parking locations, with powers to fine those who do not comply with safety or parking standards. However, the full impact of these new powers is not expected to be felt by Londoners until early 2027, as secondary legislation is still required to bring the act into effect.

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Calls for Interim Guidance

Mayoral candidate Sarah Olney has urged TfL and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, to provide interim guidance for e-bike operators before the new legislation is fully enacted. Olney stated that Londoners should not have to wait for the legislative process to conclude before action is taken. She suggested that City Hall could issue guidance on parking standards, accessibility, and enforcement immediately, which would allow operators, boroughs, and commuters to plan accordingly.

Campaigners have raised concerns about irresponsibly parked e-bikes obstructing pavements and impacting pedestrians, particularly those with mobility or sight issues. This year alone, local authorities across London have seized 3,393 e-bikes due to hazardous parking or abandonment. This figure is already 23% higher than the total number of bikes seized throughout 2025.

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“The mayor doesn’t need to wait for every last piece of legislation to be signed off before he acts, he could publish guidance today on parking standards, accessibility and enforcement.”

Sarah Olney, Mayoral Candidate

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London welcomed the government's plans to provide cities with greater control over dockless e-bike schemes. The spokesperson confirmed that TfL and the Mayor are working closely with the Department for Transport on the necessary secondary legislation to implement controls as swiftly as possible. They emphasised the importance of robust rules on safety, data sharing, and parking to ensure the continued success of e-bike services while urging operators to collaborate with boroughs and TfL.