E-bike safety
The Highway Code covers rules of the road for cyclists (including e-bike users).
See: GOV.UK - The Highway Code: Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)
Safe and legal cycling
It is an offence for cyclists to ride on the pavement, unless it has been classified as a cycle route or shared walking/cycling pathway. These will usually be signed.
We have sought to locate any footway e-bike bays close to dropped kerbs, which helps users safely access the carriageway and discourages pavement cycling.
Enforcement against pavement cycling is mainly a matter for the police. However, if you spot an e-bike user cycling on the pavement, you can report the time and location of the incident to the operator, who can use their GPS tracking system to investigate. This may result in the user being warned, fined or banned from the scheme.
When riding in shared spaces, please be patient and considerate of others. You should:
- slow down where space is limited or where there are pedestrians
- take extra care around junctions, bends or blind spots
- ring the e-bike’s bell to alert others of your presence (but be aware that some people might not hear or see you if they have reduced vision or hearing)
Some areas have been designated as Go Slow zones, which means the e-bike’s speed reduce automatically.
Other areas where cycling is not permitted have been designated as No Go zones, which means the e-bike’s electric assist function will cut out and users will need to exit the area to resume their trip.
E-bike battery safety and maintenance
Forest and Voi e-bikes are professionally managed and have removable batteries that are charged by the operators off-site, within strict safety parameters. Our operator contracts contain detailed safety requirements. If you find an e-bike in unsafe, inoperable or unhygienic condition, you should be report it directly to the operator.
The fire risk from e-bikes in London stems primarily from privately owned e‑bikes (typically e-bikes that are illegal, modified, and/or are being charged incorrectly).
For safety tips for privately owned e-bikes, visit:
