London-based e-bike operator Forest has launched a new in-app reaction-time test to cut intoxicated riding on its network.
The feature appears when users tap ‘Rent now’ and requires them to complete a short reaction-time check before a ride can begin. Riders who fail are prompted to retry, with access temporarily restricted if attempts are exhausted.
Designed to be activated selectively, the test uses location and time-of-day settings to focus on higher-risk contexts rather than applying a blanket restriction.
“The vast majority of riders use our service safely and responsibly and follow the rules of the road,” Alex Berwin, Head of Policy at Forest, told Zag Daily. “However, we know that a small minority of riders might consider riding under the influence of alcohol so we’ve introduced this test to make it as difficult as possible to do that.”
Quantifying the scale of intoxicated riding across the cycling community remains challenging due to underreporting, Berwin explained. He added that “the absence of data should not be mistaken for an absence of risk”, framing the test as a preventative measure rather than a response to recorded incidents.
The feature has been informed by discussions with the Metropolitan Police and London borough officers, according to the company, and is intended to be switched on in specific places and at certain times, such as late at night in central areas.
Forest plans to assess whether the test improves safety outcomes once it has been live long enough to generate meaningful evidence. Berwin said the company will carry out a data-led evaluation, looking at indicators including the number of failed tests and the number of late-night and police-reported incidents.
That analysis is expected to influence how the feature develops. Forest says it will also work with local authorities and draw on user feedback to ensure the test remains “effective and user friendly”, with decisions on timing and location adjusted accordingly to avoid unnecessary friction for riders.
The sobriety check sits alongside other measures Forest has introduced to encourage responsible use, including rider education initiatives focused on the Highway Code. While cycling under the influence is illegal in the UK, enforcement is limited, leaving operators to experiment with technological interventions that can be deployed at the point of hire.
