Slightly Increase e-bike speeds for safer efficient roads UK
The Issue
Cycling on public roads without bike lanes can be a nerve-wracking experience. As commuting cyclist, I've felt the pang of anxiety as cars dangerously overtake me on narrow roads. With the current e-bike speed limit of 15.5mph, many cyclists like myself are at a disadvantage, struggling to keep pace with road traffic. This imbalance increases the risk of accidents and heightens the anxiety of cyclists navigating busy streets.
We propose to increase the speed limit for pedal-assisted e-bikes to 20mph, aligning better with existing road traffic and reducing the dangerous overtaking that occurs on roads without dedicated bike lanes. This change can significantly improve safety for cyclists, giving them the ability to ride more confidently and securely among vehicles.
Furthermore, adjusting the throttle-only mode limit to 5mph will also aid in smoother integration with pedestrians and slower traffic. This Comes with the added benefit of decreasing sweat from pedaling and assistance for the impaired and elderly.
Such measures should incentivize more people to switch from cars and motorcycles to e-bikes. This switch, facilitated by safer and more efficient travel helped by the recent increase in bike lanes, should help reduce personal costs, lower emissions, and promote a healthier lifestyle. This mainly will help in tackling the large problems of climate change, cost of living, traffic, the obesity epidemic.
In addition to these speed adjustments, implementing a system to register bikes to individuals can serve as an effective anti-theft and safety measure. Registered e-bikes can deter theft and provide a sense of security to cyclists, ensuring their investment is protected. As well as to hinder activities such as dangerous riding and criminal behaviour.
In summary for the people it would mean slightly faster e-bikes to reduce pavement usage, decrease of accidents and traffic, with a way of identifying an ebike to reduce thefts and recover property with a way to hinder those who may cause accidents.
On the governmental side to increase the chance of being approved, a certification from the manufacturers compliance with the laws and safe manufacturing standards as well as an online safety test similar to the UK driving theory test for e-bikes with a throttle and speed over 15.5mph for 16 year olds.
Join us in advocating for these changes to create safer road conditions and embrace a greener future. Sign the petition today to support this crucial shift in transportation policies, aiming for safer rides and smarter cities.
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The Issue
Cycling on public roads without bike lanes can be a nerve-wracking experience. As commuting cyclist, I've felt the pang of anxiety as cars dangerously overtake me on narrow roads. With the current e-bike speed limit of 15.5mph, many cyclists like myself are at a disadvantage, struggling to keep pace with road traffic. This imbalance increases the risk of accidents and heightens the anxiety of cyclists navigating busy streets.
We propose to increase the speed limit for pedal-assisted e-bikes to 20mph, aligning better with existing road traffic and reducing the dangerous overtaking that occurs on roads without dedicated bike lanes. This change can significantly improve safety for cyclists, giving them the ability to ride more confidently and securely among vehicles.
Furthermore, adjusting the throttle-only mode limit to 5mph will also aid in smoother integration with pedestrians and slower traffic. This Comes with the added benefit of decreasing sweat from pedaling and assistance for the impaired and elderly.
Such measures should incentivize more people to switch from cars and motorcycles to e-bikes. This switch, facilitated by safer and more efficient travel helped by the recent increase in bike lanes, should help reduce personal costs, lower emissions, and promote a healthier lifestyle. This mainly will help in tackling the large problems of climate change, cost of living, traffic, the obesity epidemic.
In addition to these speed adjustments, implementing a system to register bikes to individuals can serve as an effective anti-theft and safety measure. Registered e-bikes can deter theft and provide a sense of security to cyclists, ensuring their investment is protected. As well as to hinder activities such as dangerous riding and criminal behaviour.
In summary for the people it would mean slightly faster e-bikes to reduce pavement usage, decrease of accidents and traffic, with a way of identifying an ebike to reduce thefts and recover property with a way to hinder those who may cause accidents.
On the governmental side to increase the chance of being approved, a certification from the manufacturers compliance with the laws and safe manufacturing standards as well as an online safety test similar to the UK driving theory test for e-bikes with a throttle and speed over 15.5mph for 16 year olds.
Join us in advocating for these changes to create safer road conditions and embrace a greener future. Sign the petition today to support this crucial shift in transportation policies, aiming for safer rides and smarter cities.
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Petition created on 17 August 2025