Rogue riders make e

London's streets had started to feel steeper. But the gentle assistance from the battery, sensor and motor that I fitted to my push-bike this week makes formerly daunting journeys, loads and inclines a breeze. I am transported in time too, back to the limitless energy of my 1970s youth. But my joy is mixed with irritation. Technology has sparked a revolution in electric transport but many of the costs land elsewhere, chiefly on other road — and pavement — users. Life for them is cluttered and increasingly dangerous.

One issue is the proliferation of rented e-bikes. These offer a handy if pricey (20p a minute) way of zipping around a big city. You can find them on any street corner in central London. And that's