Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, has ensured a debate will take place in the House of Commons surrounding further regulation of illegal electric bikes (e-bikes).
He will lead this debate alongside Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle.
Arthur’s main concerns include the anti-social behaviour the e-bikes encourage, the illegal and dangerous modification of e-bikes, and the fire risk from their electric batteries.
While there is currently not a set-date for Arthur and Minns’ debate, the House of Commons has regularly debated the need for further governmental intervention regarding e-bikes and their dangers.
On 21 October, Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom and Ewell, secured a debate to consider “the regulation of e-scooters and e-bikes”
This debate included the same dangers put forward by Arthur, as well as possible strategies and solutions.
Minns participated in this debate and was one MP to propose that the House classify E-Bikes as “unsafe” under the Product Safety and Metrology Act 2025.
Arthur wrote a letter to Consumer Protection Minister Kate Dearden asking the government to consider more regulatory changes: “Defining them as unsafe would provide clarity for enforcement authorities and ease the removal of non-compliant devices from the market.”
Current e-bike rules state that e-bikes that conform with the EACP’s specifications, namely being power-limited, can be ridden as early as 14 years old on public roads without insurance or a license.
Modified or Non-Compliant E-Bikes, are to be classified under the same wing as Mopeds and Motorbikes, meaning that a licence and insurance is necessary to cycle on public roads.
Police Reports show that modified e-bikes could “reach speeds ‘faster than cars’, and are more likely to be involved in serious collisions due to their weight and speed.”
Earlier this year, Arthur targeted the dangerous use of E-Bikes by delivery drivers, however ultimately failed to see meaningful change.
Image by Spencer Siles for The Student
