This restriction, set to take effect on March 31, 2025, is aimed at ensuring the safety of both customers and staff.
The decision was made after a comprehensive review of e-bike safety, conducted in collaboration with the London Fire Brigade and other partners.
The review found that while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a few incidents of non-foldable e-bikes catching fire on the transport system.
Union ASLEF threatened strike action if e-bikes are not banned on the London Underground after an e-bike caught alight at Rayners Lane station at the end of last month.
The ban will apply to the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line, and DLR services.
It includes all non-folding e-bikes, even standard cycles converted to e-bikes using conversion kits.
TfL’s analysis suggests that cycles adapted with electronic conversion kits pose a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes.
However, it is difficult to distinguish between modified and unmodified e-bikes.
Until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries, and chargers, a ban is deemed necessary for all non-folded e-bikes.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.”
Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief Safety, health and environment officer, said: “Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues.
“We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network and following this review, we will be putting this safety ban in place from 31 March 2025.”
London Fire Brigade deputy Ccommissioner for prevention, protection & policy, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.”
Non-folding bikes are currently not permitted on buses or trams.
No e-bikes are permitted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, and this will remain the position.
