Four new cycling offences tabled in Lords as Government targets Illegal e-cycle use

Last week’s oral question debate in the House of Lords (10 June 2025) confirmed a significant development in the regulatory landscape for electric cycles (e-cycles), with the Government proposing four new criminal offences and fresh enforcement powers to tackle their illegal and dangerous use on roads.

The Government announced that the following new offences have been tabled as amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently awaiting Report Stage in the Commons before it will move to the Lords:

1. Causing death by dangerous cycling
2. Causing serious injury by dangerous cycling
3. Causing death by careless or inconsiderate cycling
4. Causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling

These proposed offences closely mirror existing criminal provisions relating to motor vehicles and would give police and prosecutors new tools to take action where dangerous or reckless cycling results in harm.

Context and Enforcement Focus

The debate was prompted by Lord Hogan-Howe, who praised the City of London Police for their proactive enforcement, including treating modified or non-compliant e-bikes as motor vehicles and issuing penalty points accordingly. He cited speeds of up to 40mph and mounting risks to pedestrian safety, especially in busy urban areas.

In response, Government Minister Lord Hanson of Flint confirmed:

• 325 e-cycles were seized by City of London Police in 2024.
• Police powers to seize vehicles used antisocially without prior warning will be strengthened via amendments to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, as part of the Crime and Policing Bill.
• A consultation is underway to accelerate the disposal or destruction of seized vehicles.

Wider Concerns and Corporate Liability

Peers raised several issues highly relevant to insurers, retailers, and gig economy operators:

• Delivery riders disabling speed limiters was highlighted as a growing hazard, with Government reaffirming that enforcement will apply and employers must take responsibility for drivers’ actions.
• Calls were made for stronger accountability of technology and delivery firms, ensuring they are not turning a blind eye to the unlawful use of e-cycles by workers.
• The potential for Dutch-style mobile test benches to detect illegal modifications on the spot was welcomed and is under Government review.
   

E-Scooter Context

While not the main focus of the question, e-scooters were repeatedly referenced, particularly with regard to their illegal use on roads in parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland. The Minister acknowledged ongoing enforcement challenges and highlighted that the legislative changes are focused on England and Wales. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed that the same principles and enhanced powers should apply to e-scooter enforcement where appropriate.

Implications for Insurers and Clients

The proposed amendments represent a significant tightening of the legal framework around non-compliant and antisocial use of e-cycles and, by implication, e-scooters. For insurers, this is likely to impact:

• Casualty claims involving pedestrian or cyclist injury,
• Motor claims involving misclassified vehicles,
• Public liability exposure for retailers and technology platforms enabling or overlooking illegal rider behaviour.

We will monitor the progress of the Crime and Policing Bill closely and track the four proposed offences and related enforcement amendments as they pass through the legislative stages.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the implications further.

Natalie Larnder - Head of Market Affairs

nlarnder@keoghs.co.uk

Matthew Rogers - Partner and Head of Property Risks & Coverage

mrogers@keoghs.co.uk