Online Giant Faces Criticism Over Unsafe Electric Bikes Used by Couriers
- Amazon faces pressure to ban unsafe e-bikes on its platform
- E-bikes can travel at 40 mph and use batteries prone to catching fire
- MPs criticize Amazon and food delivery companies like Deliveroo
- All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking calls for stricter e-bike controls
- E-bikes should not exceed 15.5 mph and have a 250W motor limit in the UK
- Some e-bikes sold surpass legal limits, causing safety concerns
- Delivery firms urged to pay couriers by shift instead of per delivery
- National scrappage scheme for illegal e-bikes proposed
Amazon is under pressure to ban the sale of unsafe e-bikes on its platform, following concerns over their speed and battery safety. MPs have criticized Amazon and food delivery companies like Deliveroo for allowing couriers to use these dangerous electric bikes to increase earnings. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking has called on Amazon UK to immediately stop selling such bicycles and equipment that turns legitimate e-bikes into ‘fake e-bikes.’ They also want ministers to implement stricter controls on e-bike sales. E-bikes are allowed on UK roads if they meet safety standards, but some surpass 15.5 mph and have a motor limited to 250W to prevent fires. Delivery firms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and JustEat often refer to their couriers as self-employed, making them responsible for their vehicles. MPs propose paying couriers by shift instead of per delivery and introducing a national scrappage scheme for illegal e-bikes. Amazon has committed to cracking down on fake product reviews after an agreement with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the concerns regarding unsafe e-bikes on Amazon’s platform and the actions taken by MPs and companies to address the issue. It also mentions the conditions of rider agreements with Deliveroo and Amazon’s commitment to crackdown on fake product reviews.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the concerns regarding unsafe e-bikes on Amazon and the pressure on the company to address the issue. It also mentions the involvement of food delivery companies like Deliveroo in using these bikes. The article stays mostly on topic and supports its claims with examples, such as the safety standards for legal e-bikes and the concerns about couriers using unsafe vehicles. However, it briefly diverts into unrelated information about Poundland being acquired by Gordon Brothers, which does not contribute much to the main topic.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses financial topics such as Amazon’s response to pressure regarding the sale of unsafe e-bikes on its platform and mentions Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and JustEat. It also briefly touches upon Poundland being acquired by Gordon Brothers. However, there is no direct impact on specific financial markets or companies mentioned.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text and it does not meet the criteria of an extreme event as it discusses safety concerns with e-bikes on Amazon’s platform, but does not mention any recent major incident or crisis.
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