Should e-bikes be banned? Have your say after government announces clampdown

Should e-bikes be banned? Have your say after government announces clampdown A nationwide clampdown on 'nuisance' E-bikes will see fines handed out irresponsible riders and new penalties on firms who fail to stop pile-ups blocking pavements Ministers are set to bring in new rules on E-bikes in a bid to stamp out irresponsible riding. Plans outlined in a new consultation by the Department for Transport would introduce fines on cyclists who ride on pavements, take to the pedals while drunk, or jump red lights. Meanwhile, companies that offer the hire bikes will be required to limit fleet sizes and ensure bays are being used appropriately to eliminate "nuisance" parking on footpaths. Another proposal would bring in mandatory insurance, meaning people can claim compensation if they’re hit by someone on a shared cycle. The government is also consulting on whether regional mayors should have extra powers, including setting fees and requiring operators to share data. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly, they can be a real frustration. "I want to sort that by giving communities more control over where they are parked and making sure companies and riders play by the rules. "While making the big, long-term changes to make transport better and more affordable for people across the country, this is a small but important everyday fix to make our streets safer." It follows warnings from charities that pavements in Britain's towns and cities are being clogged by 'street clutter', causing huge problems for people with mobility issues and parents with prams. Tanya Braun, Director of External Affairs at Living Streets, said: "Our pavements are for people and should be safe and accessible for everyone to use. "Discarded e-bikes obstruct our pavements, which is dangerous for everyone but especially for wheelchair users, those who are blind or partially sighted or families with young children. "This can prevent people from enjoying the many health and social benefits of walking and wheeling." Currently, rules on E-bikes are set by local councils, though these vary widely by area and are not always enforced. Lime and Forest - two of the largest E-bike hire firms - said they welcomed the move towards consistent national standards. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel around our towns and cities. They are easy to use, get us active and help reduce emissions, but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate. "That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer."