London Mayor Sadiq Khan has outlined plans for a London-wide licensing framework for dockless shared e-bikes, under which Transport for London (TfL) would become the licensing authority for operators across the capital.

The proposed framework would replace the current borough-by-borough approach, under which individual London boroughs establish separate arrangements with operators. The new system would introduce consistent London-wide requirements covering operator licensing, parking, fleet management, safety, enforcement and data sharing.

The plans follow the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which established the statutory basis for TfL to regulate and license dockless shared bike services. However, the new powers cannot be implemented until the UK Government introduces secondary legislation and related guidance.

Khan has called on the Department for Transport (DfT) to move quickly on the required secondary legislation. In the meantime, he said London would work with dockless operators, boroughs and TfL to prepare for the future regulatory framework.

Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, said TfL welcomes the legislation and will work with London boroughs and other stakeholders to prepare to take on the powers once the details of the new licensing framework are provided by the Government.

London currently has four dockless hire bike operators: Bolt, Forest, Lime and Voi. The London Assembly Transport Committee is also conducting an investigation into dockless hire bike regulation, with a meeting scheduled for October 8 to examine the powers TfL should have under the new regulatory framework and the conditions that could be imposed on operators.

Photo: London City Hall