Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to require e-bike hire operators to hold public liability insurance as a condition of operating on the public highway.

The licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will create a legal requirement for shared e-cycle schemes to be licensed, which will be implemented through a combination of regulations and detailed guidance, following in-depth consultation.

No final policy decisions have yet been taken, but licence conditions could include a requirement for age verification of users or public liability insurance for operators.

Safety will be a priority when considering future policy in this area.