Deliveroo says riders on illegal high-speed e-bikes could be banned from its platform

Mixed · 2Deliveroo said riders caught using illegal high-speed e-bikes could be banned from its platform as part of a road safety campaign. 1 2 Mixed · 2The company said it is introducing technology to identify riders travelling at speeds that a conventional bicycle or legal e-bike would be unlikely to sustain. 1 2 Mixed · 2Where such speeds are detected, Deliveroo said it would contact the rider about their vehicle; the Evening Standard reports that riders found to have knowingly registered the wrong vehicle, or who keep breaching the rules, could lose access to the platform. 1 2

Mixed · 2Under UK rules, e-bikes must cut off electric assistance at 15.5mph and have a motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts, but conversion kits sold online can push bikes beyond those limits. 1 2 Mixed · 2Deliveroo is also calling on the Government to ban the sale of unsafe conversion kits. Paul Bedford, its policy and sustainability director, said the campaign is called Ride Safe and that "anyone can buy these kits, fit them to any bike, and put themselves and others at risk". 1 2 Mixed · 2Transport for London and London Fire Brigade welcomed the campaign; the brigade recorded 171 e-bike fires last year, according to figures obtained by the Press Association. Richard Field, deputy assistant commissioner, said firefighters regularly attend dangerous fires caused by converted push bikes. 1 2

Mixed · 2Labour MP Dame Siobhain McDonagh said she strongly supports action to stop unsafe conversion kits being sold online and on high streets. 1 2 Mixed · 2A Government spokesperson said modified e-bikes faster and more powerful than the rules allow are motorbikes that need to be registered, taxed and insured, and that police have stronger powers to seize vehicles without a warning. The spokesperson did not address the call for a ban on conversion kits, but said the Government is cracking down on unsafe products sold online. 1 2