E-bike hire riders could face fines under plans to tackle antisocial behaviour.
The government is consulting on rules for shared cycle and e-bike schemes in England, including measures to address pavement riding and obstructive parking.
Under the proposals, authorities would license schemes and require operators to have plans for parking and tackling illegal or antisocial use.
The Department for Transport says consequences such as fines could be included in plans to prevent riding on pavements, riding while drunk or underage use.
Cycling on pavements is already against the law, and the licensing measures remain proposals rather than new rules in force.
The consultation also covers shared pedal cycles, not just e-bikes, and seeks views on how the licensing system should work.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "While making the big, long-term changes to make transport better and more affordable for people across the country, this is a small but important everyday fix to make our streets safer."
He said e-bikes could make travel easier but were frustrating when they blocked pavements or were used irresponsibly.
Operators could be required to agree parking plans with licensing authorities, with options including designated bays.
The government also proposes fleet size limits and operating areas, alongside plans to manage and maintain bikes.
Authorities could be given powers to set fees and require operators to share data, while the consultation seeks views on possible insurance requirements.
Third-party insurance could cover claims when a rider injures someone else, although the consultation warns such policies are usually invalidated when a cycle is ridden illegally or against hire conditions.
It says the government does not intend to make insurance compulsory for private cyclists.
Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, welcomed the consultation.
Ms Briggs said: "For people with sight loss, badly parked rental e-bikes are a barrier to independent travel, blocking pavements, creating unexpected obstacles and making it harder to navigate safely."
"Guide Dogs frequently hears from people with a vision impairment about irresponsible and antisocial use of e-bikes on pavements, putting pedestrians at risk."
The consultation opened on November 5 and closes at 11.59pm on December 31, 2026.
Members of the public can respond online, by email or by post.
Lime chief executive Wayne Ting said the current patchwork approach was confusing for riders, councils and operators.
Mr Ting said: "Today’s consultation is an important step forward."
"We look forward to working with government and local authorities to help deliver schemes that work for riders, operators, and everyone in the communities we serve, all for a greener and more connected UK."
Share