Safety concerns over powerful imported e-bikes have led Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond to lobby the Prime Minister for tighter regulations.

The popularity of e-bikes is growing annually - but last year saw 11 deaths in the UK caused by fires relating to such bikes, according to emergency services figures.

E-bikes can hit 15mph without pedalling with the use of power conversion kits.

Mrs Drummond's appeal to the PM followed a Westminster event organised by Brompton Bicycles and charity Electrical Safety First (ESF), which both want improved standards.

They are particularly concerned about proposals that could exacerbate public safety risks and reduce e-bikes' appeal to consumers.

Daily Echo: MP Flick Drummond signing the letterMP Flick Drummond signing the letter (Image: Supplied)

Enhanced standards for conversion kits, charging systems, and mandatory markings on lithium batteries are among the changes being pushed for.

Mrs Drummond said: "I am concerned about more powerful e-bikes on our roads and the fire risk they pose.

"E-bikes travelling at more than 15 mph is a danger to pedestrians and other road users and does somewhat eradicate any health benefit from cycling – something I would not like to see as a keen cyclist myself who uses only pedal power.

"We also need to see that e-bikes are as safe as possible from fire risk. I urge the PM to look again at any changes to regulations that might jeopardise standards and to halt the increasing power of the bikes."