MP Calls for Action Against Dangerous E-Bike Use by Deliveries

Scott Arthur, the Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West, has called on food delivery companies to implement stronger measures against the “dangerous or illegal” use of e-bikes by their couriers. Arthur expressed concerns that leading firms such as Uber Eats and Just Eat have not effectively addressed the risks posed by the high-pressure environment faced by their drivers, which he believes contributes to reckless riding practices.

The MP highlighted that the issue of dangerous e-bike usage has escalated, particularly in Edinburgh’s south and west areas. He noted that residents have reported instances of riders travelling at excessive speeds, often on bikes that may be illegally modified. Arthur emphasized that this troubling trend not only jeopardizes public safety but also reflects poorly on the responsibility of food delivery firms.

In October 2023, a public meeting was held to discuss these safety concerns, bringing together local residents, politicians, and police representatives. During this meeting, Arthur began to seek practical solutions to curb hazardous riding behaviours. He criticized the companies for being “passive” in their enforcement and encouraged them to utilize tools like GPS tracking to help identify and address dangerous riding.

Statistics reveal that there have been only 34 recorded incidents involving e-bikes in Scotland over the past five years, with 15 serious injuries and one fatality. Arthur pointed out that while these figures may seem low, they are likely understated as not all incidents are accurately categorized by Police Scotland.

In a statement, Arthur said: “Constituents regularly tell me of incidents they have observed with dangerous or excessively fast travel by food delivery riders, using both legal and illegally modified e-bikes. It is disappointing that food delivery companies are not willing to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the public and their riders.”

He further criticized the complaint process, stating that requiring members of the public to provide the rider’s name or an order number to lodge a complaint is unrealistic. “They are being passive, when they could be taking steps to ensure the safety of riders and the public,” he added.

In response, a spokesperson for Just Eat stated, “The safety of couriers, road users, and the public is very important to us. All couriers delivering on our behalf must ensure that they follow all local laws and rules of the road.” The spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal vehicle use, asserting that actions would be taken against couriers who fail to meet safety standards.

Similarly, an Uber Eats representative noted that the safety of customers and couriers is a top priority. The company has implemented initiatives to provide access to affordable e-bikes and aims to ensure that couriers use appropriate vehicles. They also work closely with union partners to represent couriers’ interests.

Arthur welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to addressing these safety issues, looking forward to the National Work-Related Road Safety Charter as part of its broader Road Safety Strategy. Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for Local Transport, confirmed that the government plans to encourage businesses that employ riders or drivers to sign up for the charter.

Additionally, Catriona Munro, a Labour candidate for the upcoming Holyrood election, expressed her support for Arthur’s concerns. Munro criticized the Scottish Government for not providing sufficient resources to Police Scotland to tackle the challenges posed by dangerous e-bikes. She noted that during discussions with police representatives, it was clear that they were eager to address these issues but required additional training and resources.

As the debate continues, both local politicians and food delivery companies face mounting pressure to ensure the safety of riders and the general public. With increasing reliance on e-bikes for deliveries, the need for robust safety measures has never been more pressing.