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From 31 March 2025, non-folding e-bikes will be banned on almost all Transport for London (TfL) services, including the London Underground.
Once the ban comes into place, passengers will not be allowed to bring non-folding e-bikes onto the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
The non-folding e-bike ban also includes traditional bicycles that have been converted to e-bikes using conversion kits. In fact, TfL says such vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than purpose-built e-bikes, adding that it can, however, be difficult to distinguish between the two.
TfL said the announcement comes after a ‘small number of incidents’ involving non-folding e-bikes catching fire on the transport system in London. And until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers, a ban is necessary for all non-folded e-bikes.
One such incident occurred on 27 February 2025 on the platform at Rayners Lane Tube station, where an e-bike caught fire resulting in extensive and prolonged smoke.
TfL said it is not aware of any reports of foldable e-bike fires in London.
Anyone who does not comply with the non-folding e-bike ban may be refused entry, directed to leave the network, or face a fine of up to £1000, if prosecuted.
“The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
“This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Responding to the TfL announcement, London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Protection & Policy, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.
“While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micro mobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.
“As part of London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign, we have been raising awareness about the fire risks and educating Londoners on how they can store and charge their e-bikes safely. We are also working closely with the Government to improve the regulation around e-bikes and e-scooters. We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been brought from an online market place or auction site where products may not meet safety standards.”
For a full list of services where non-folding e-bikes will be banned, check out the official TFL Cycles on public transport webpage.
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