A Kingston Council report that suggested e‑bikes could help women "stay looking nice" and "perform their traditional domestic responsibilities" sparked backlash on Facebook, prompting the council to issue a formal apology and a revised document.

Lib Dem Council’s Original Claim Sparks Online Outrage

The original equalities report, released by the Kingston Council, contained a passage that read: "e‑bikes can help women perform their traditional domestic responsibilities and stay looking nice." Residents flooded the council’s Facebook page with criticism, calling the language sexist and outdated .

Apology Stems from Misused Academic Quote

In a statement on the council’s website, officials explained that the offending phrase was a direct quote from a peer‑reviewed academic paper. They admitted that using the quote in isolation, without context , was inappropriate and likely to cause offence. The council acknowledged that the description should never have been included in the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA).

Revised Report Attempts Broader Inclusion

The second version of the report replaces the original wording with: "E‑bikes may increase active travel amongst women as well as the wider population by enabling carrying of goods or shopping and allowing more complex trip chaining that people with caring responsibilities may face more regularly." It also states that e‑bikes challenge sexism in cycling, make bike retail and repair environments more inclusive, and boost women’s confidence on the road.

Critics Argue the New Language Still Reinforces Stereotypes

Some residents argue that even the corrected wording frames women in terms of assumed roles, focusing on caring responsibilities and domestic tasks.. They contend that a truly balanced, evidence‑based assessment should avoid gendered expectations altogether.

What’s Still Unclear About the Council’s Process?

Key questions remain:Who approved the original language before publication? How will the council ensure future reports avoid similar pitfalls? And what mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the impact of e‑bike promotion on all demographics?