By James Rodger
E-bikes are set to face “swift justice” as fire safety concerns prompt action to end road “loopholes”. Electric bikes and scooters have caused several fires across the UK – with t he All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) issuing a warning. They found that “fake e-bikes” which are often purchased through online marketplaces and used by delivery riders. The inquiry, which received 60 written submissions and took in-person evidence from 13 key players, found that a lack of regulatio is putting lives at risk. The group found e-bikes sold by major online retailers with speeds of 40mph described as “for city commutes”, and a 2,000-watt bike with a throttle pictured being used on city streets, both of which are illegal. READ MORE Rachel Reeves set to cut cash ISA allowance from 拢20,000 on July 15 Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson explained that the new timeframe will provide “communities the swift justice they deserve”. In response to the report, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport Simon Lightwood told MPs he was “studying the APPG’s report in detail”, stating that “illegal e-bikes are clearly dangerous and have no place on our roads”. Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the APPGCW, said: “This is a crisis hiding in plain sight. While responsible cycling businesses continue to meet high safety standards, the rise of illegal and unsafe e-bikes, often bought online and used in the gig economy, has created serious risks for riders, the public, and the future of active travel. “We need urgent action from the Government and industry to stop unsafe products entering the UK and to protect those being exploited while trying to earn a living.” Campaigning charity Electrical Safety First previously said fires caused by substandard e-scooter and e-bike batteries were “tearing through homes” and want stricter rules to be introduced around their sale to reduce the risk. The UK government said it was updating product safety laws around the batteries to help keep people safe and taking action at ports and borders to stop unsafe products reaching consumers.