Electric bicycle restrictions expand in UK and France

In the United Kingdom, restrictions on electric bicycles are expanding across major transport networks. Following bans on non-folding e-bikes in London and by Merseyrail in Liverpool, signage at Leeds station recently sparked concerns regarding a nationwide ban. While Network Rail clarified that recent signage regarding e-bikes and scooters was a local measure related to station storage and charging rather than a national prohibition, the RMT union is formally calling for an urgent extension of the ban on non-folding e-bikes across the entire National Rail network.

In France, the city of Lyon and Villeurbanne have implemented a different regulatory approach for electric bike sharing. As part of a one-year experiment between the Metropole and JC Decaux, the electric assistance on the 2,500 Vélo’v e-bikes now automatically shuts off when riders enter designated pedestrian zones. This measure, which includes areas such as the Presqu’île, Parc Tête d’Or, and Vieux-Lyon, aims to force cyclists to slow down in high-pedestrian areas.