Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, that the government is considering stricter regulations for the sale of non-compliant e-bikes and conversion kits. The announcement follows concerns regarding the safety risks posed by vehicles operating at speeds that exceed current legal limits.
Under current United Kingdom regulations, e-bikes must meet specific safety standards to be legally used on public roads. These include a requirement that the motor only assists while the user is pedalling, a maximum power limit of 250 watts, and a requirement that the motor disengages once the bike reaches 15.5mph. However, conversion kits available online allow users to modify standard bicycles with motors and batteries that can bypass these power and speed restrictions.
The issue was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by Martin Rhodes, MP for Glasgow North, who noted that constituents have reported an increase in illegally modified e-bikes on roads and pavements. Mr. Rhodes requested measures to hold online retailers accountable for selling equipment that takes cycles beyond legal limits. In response, Mr. Burnham stated that the safety risks from excessive speeds "need to be stopped."
For pedestrians, families, and vulnerable individuals, the government's aim is to reduce the presence of modified cycles on pavements and roads, which Mr. Rhodes described as a significant safety concern. Individuals who currently use illegally modified e-bikes could face changes in their ability to operate these vehicles or access maintenance parts if enforcement increases. Additionally, workers in the gig economy, such as food delivery drivers, are already seeing changes; Deliveroo announced in October 2026 that it would use new technology to monitor speeds and ban drivers using illegal e-bikes.
The move marks a shift toward greater central oversight of personal electric transport. Beyond sales regulations, the government launched a consultation last week regarding e-bike parking to address nuisance parking and antisocial behavior. The results of this consultation and the specific text of any new sales regulations have not yet been released. While Police Scotland has issued warnings to parents regarding e-bike purchases for the upcoming Christmas season, the government has not yet provided a specific date for when new legislation might be introduced or voted upon.