Headline: Sadiq Khan Calls for London-Wide Regulation of Dockless Electric Bikes

Date: 1 October 2026

Tags: London, Transport, E-Bikes, Regulation

Summary:

• London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants new powers to regulate dockless rental electric bikes consistently across the capital.

• Khan said the current borough-by-borough system had created a “patchwork” approach to regulating rental e-bike schemes.

• New legislation allows the Transport Secretary to give Transport for London powers to establish a London-wide regulatory framework.

• The proposed system could regulate bike numbers, parking, safety standards and integration with London's public transport network.

• Tackling dangerously or inconsiderately parked rental e-bikes would be a major priority under the proposed framework.

• TfL and the Mayor have provided £1.7m to boroughs for micromobility parking spaces, supplementing 36,000 existing spaces.

• Further secondary legislation and government guidance are required before TfL can introduce the new regulatory system.

• The Department for Transport and Transport Secretary are expected to consult on details of the proposed licensing framework.

• Khan said he has sought stronger powers over dockless bike schemes since they were introduced in London in 2017.

• Daily cycling trips across London have increased 43% since 2019, while the Cycleways network has expanded fivefold in a decade.

Why this matters: A London-wide framework would replace differing borough rules with consistent regulation covering rental e-bike operators across the capital.

What’s next: TfL will develop its approach after the Government provides details of the new licensing framework and completes further consultations.