Wandsworth Council in London has introduced a new Fair Use Charter for e-bike and e-scooter operators, aimed at tackling obstructive parking, improving safety and taking stronger enforcement action so that the schemes work better for all residents. 

The Charter aims to hold operators to account for their hire e-bikes and scooters in Wandsworth, taking action against bad parking and riding dangerously on pavements.

A new operational team is now patrolling the borough to support compliance with the Charter by monitoring known hotspots and removing bikes that are badly parked.

The Fair Use Charter also encourages residents to report obstructive e-bikes in Wandsworth. As part of a concerted effort to tackle the issue together, we want residents to report e-bikes parked badly, blocking pavements, roads and public spaces.

The new Charter comes as the popularity of hire e-bikes continues to rise across the borough, with eight million journeys taken in the borough in 2025 and journeys expected to exceed 10 million this year. 

While the schemes have helped many people get around quickly and easily without using cars, residents have also raised concerns with the council about poorly parked bikes blocking pavements, causing problems for wheelchair users, people with buggies and residents with reduced mobility. 

Cllr Nick Austin, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: 

“E-bikes provide a convenient and flexible travel option for many people and are obviously here to stay, but residents are rightly frustrated with bikes blocking our pavements and roads. 

“Our new Fair Use Charter stands up for residents and their need for safe pavements and public spaces. It is designed to set clear expectations for operators, ensuring they manage their bikes and scooters better, and respond quickly when issues arise. The Charter also gives the Council stronger powers to take enforcement action and make operators pay.”

(Picture: Wandsworth Council)