Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans for a single London‑wide licensing system for dockless e‑bike operators to replace the current borough‑by‑borough approach. He says the fragmented rules have failed to keep pace with rapid growth since dockless bikes arrived in 2017 and have contributed to safety and pavement‑clutter problems. The proposal would give Transport for London statutory powers if the Government uses the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, but the Department for Transport must first issue secondary legislation and guidance. Khan published his vision now to accelerate the process; TfL says it will move quickly once details are provided.
Sadiq Khan Moves To End London's E‑Bike 'Wild West' With Citywide Licensing Plan
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Dockless electric bikes have made short, low‑emission journeys easier for many Londoners, but increasing complaints about bikes and scooters left on pavements have sparked a debate over who should regulate the system. Mayor Sadiq Khan has published a proposal for a single London‑wide licensing regime for dockless e‑bike operators, arguing that borough‑by‑borough oversight is no longer fit for purpose.
What Khan Is Proposing
Under the current approach, each borough sets its own limits on how many rental e‑bikes can operate, defines local parking rules and determines penalties for non‑compliance. Khan wants Transport for London (TfL) to have the statutory authority to introduce a single licensing framework that applies across the capital and covers operators such as Lime, Voi and Forest, according to The Standard.
The 'Wild West' approach to dockless e‑bikes cannot continue," Khan said. "While these services are helping thousands more Londoners to cycle, their rapid growth has also brought challenges around safety, inconsiderate parking, and the lack of data needed to properly manage them.
Why Change Is Sought
Dockless e‑bikes first appeared in London in 2017, and complaints about pavement clutter and unsafe or inconsiderate parking have continued as the market expanded. Poorly parked bikes can obstruct pedestrians, wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, creating real accessibility and safety concerns.
Operators themselves have pushed for a capital‑wide, Paris‑style system so companies and riders do not have to navigate a patchwork of borough rules. Khan says a unified licensing scheme would bring stronger enforcement, clearer parking standards, consistent data sharing, minimum safety expectations and fair, transparent pricing for users.
Legal Steps Still Required
A formal licensing regime cannot begin immediately. The Department for Transport (DfT) must issue secondary legislation and guidance, and the Government may use powers in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act to give TfL statutory authority to set the framework for dockless cycles. Khan published his vision now to try to accelerate that process.
"We welcome the legislation which will provide us with powers to regulate dockless bikes across the capital," said Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Transport Strategy and Policy. "Once we have details of the new licensing framework from the Government, we will work at pace with boroughs and other stakeholders to be in a position to take on the powers we expect to be given as a licensing authority."
Wider Context
London is not alone in wrestling with how to balance the convenience of micromobility with street safety and order. Recent related disputes include new e‑bike rules in New Jersey that some say single out riders, a contentious court ruling in California that has shaped local restrictions, and vandalism issues in Derby that prompted one operator to withdraw from the market.
Khan's proposal aims to deliver one clear set of rules across London, backed by better enforcement and data, so the benefits of dockless e‑bikes—convenient, low‑pollution trips—can be enjoyed without compromising public space accessibility and safety.
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