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The All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) has launched a Call for Evidence as part of a new inquiry into e-bike safety in the UK, with a particular focus on the risks emerging from dangerous low-quality e-bike conversion kits, gig economy work and delivery practices.
As e-bike usage grows, the group seeks to ensure that the UK can realise the benefits of cleaner, healthier transport without compromising public safety. The inquiry comes amid growing concern over unsafe, low-quality e-bikes, often purchased through unregulated online marketplaces and used by delivery riders under pressure to meet strict time demands.
In contrast to the rapid rise in e-bike adoption across continental Europe, where Germany recorded over 2.1 million e-bike sales in 2023, the UK lags behind with only 146,000 e-bikes sold last year.
E-bikes have enormous potential to support a cleaner, fairer transport future, but that future is at risk if we fail to address emerging issues, especially from low-quality imported upgrade kits.”
We’re especially concerned about the pressures faced by gig economy riders, who may be pushed towards unsafe and potentially illegal products in order to increase their income. In many cases, these are not e-bikes but, in fact, illegally modified motorcycles, and they undermine the reputation of quality e-bike products. This inquiry will help us understand the scale of the problem and identify practical solutions that protect both the public and the progress we need to make in active travel – Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW)
The inquiry will also consider the wider implications of recent policy decisions, such as Transport for London’s ban on non-folding e-bikes as well as the impact of bans on e-bike storage by landlords and workplaces.
Call for Evidence Now Open
The APPGCW is inviting written submissions from individuals, organisations, and experts. These may include:
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Delivery riders and those with lived experience
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Fire services and emergency responders
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Transport regulators and local authorities
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Industry representatives (manufacturers, insurers, platforms)
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Campaigners, charities, and policy experts
Topics of interest include product safety, illegal modifications, the role of online marketplaces, enforcement challenges, and existing best practices.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, 15 May 2025
Full details, including submission guidance, are available by visiting the APPGCW website.
