RAIL unions have called for a ban on e-bikes across the London Underground network after one caught fire on a platform at Rayners Lane station in north-west London.

Unions RMT and Aslef warned that the incident could have been far worse if the e-bike had been inside a Tube train, and put passengers on board at severe risk.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Transport for London (TfL) needs to take immediate action and ban e-bikes from London Underground just as they do with e-scooters. 

“We have been calling for TfL to take this action to safeguard Tube workers and passengers alike for over a year.”

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s London Underground organiser, said: “An explosion onboard a train would almost certainly have led to serious causalities or deaths.

“And if it led to a derailment, there was a real risk of a mass casualty event.

“It beggars belief that TfL is still allowing these potentially explosive devices on their services.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “Our primary concern is always the safety of our customers and staff.

“Following the recent incident at Rayners Lane station, we are reviewing our risk assessment and continue to talk to the London Fire Brigade.”