Media coverage is fuelling a backlash against e-bikes. But often,...
Adam Tranter@adamtranter
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Jul 29, 2025
~2 min read
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Media coverage is fuelling a backlash against e-bikes. But often, the stories aren't even about e-bikes at all.
Last week, the BBC reported that an "e-bike" was involved in a serious incident. But it was actually a high-powered electric motorbike.
Here's how it got changed..🧵
Last week, the BBC reported that an "e-bike" was involved in a serious incident. But it was actually a high-powered electric motorbike.
Here's how it got changed..🧵
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The original article used phrases like "illegal e-bikers" and "reckless e-bike riders". It suggested a lack of deterrent was letting people cause havoc.
A Government spokesperson even used the case to justify new penalties for dangerous cycling.
A Government spokesperson even used the case to justify new penalties for dangerous cycling.
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But the vehicle involved wasn't an e-bike. It was a throttle-operated electric motorbike being used without a licence or insurance.
These vehicles fall under existing motor vehicle laws and should not be treated as bicycles in any context.
These vehicles fall under existing motor vehicle laws and should not be treated as bicycles in any context.
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As you can see from this news clip (including with audio where the 999 caller describes it as a motorbike) - this very clearly is not a bicycle. There are no pedals.
It is indeed a shocking incident which highlights the danger of fast-moving vehicles on our roads.
It is indeed a shocking incident which highlights the danger of fast-moving vehicles on our roads.
0:14
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Campaigners from @WalkRideGM contacted the BBC to raise the issue. They pointed out that the original report mislabelled the vehicle and risked spreading confusion and fear about legal e-bike use.
Their intervention worked.
Their intervention worked.
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The BBC updated the article, replacing the term "e-bike" with "electric motorbike".
Even the Government’s quote was revised. The original wording about dangerous cycling no longer appeared in the updated version.
Even the Government’s quote was revised. The original wording about dangerous cycling no longer appeared in the updated version.
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This change matters. There are already laws in place to deal with dangerous driving, riding without a licence or insurance, and the use of illegal vehicles.
Using incidents like this to call for new cycling legislation, and tarnish the reputation of e-bikes, is disingenuous.
Using incidents like this to call for new cycling legislation, and tarnish the reputation of e-bikes, is disingenuous.
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Legal e-bikes are capped at 15.5mph and require pedalling to activate the motor. They are transforming cities, helping people travel further and switch from cars.
Lumping them in with illegal motorbikes undermines progress on clean and healthy transport.
Lumping them in with illegal motorbikes undermines progress on clean and healthy transport.
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The success of @WalkRideGM shows the importance of pushing back.
Call it what it is. Reckless riding of a powerful, unlicensed electric motorbike is not cycling. It’s dangerous driving, and there are already penalties for that. Kian Monks, 21, is rightly in jail.
Call it what it is. Reckless riding of a powerful, unlicensed electric motorbike is not cycling. It’s dangerous driving, and there are already penalties for that. Kian Monks, 21, is rightly in jail.
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The updated article: bbc.com/news/articles/…
