Operations target illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

We have seized e-scooters, off-road bikes and e-bikes, as part of an ongoing crackdown on anti-social behaviour and traffic offences in Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers from our road crime team (RCT) recently took part in the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) National Day of Action.

The operation focused on tackling the illegal use of electrically assisted pedal cycles (e-bikes) and e-scooters, particularly those being used without insurance, or in an anti-social manner.

The team engaged with road users, provided education and took enforcement action where necessary.

As a result, one e-bike, two e-scooters and an off-road bike were seized.

The e-scooter riders, both aged under 18, were given advice alongside their parents, whilst the adult riders of the off-road bike and e-bike will be dealt with for relevant traffic offences.

The action on Saturday June 6 followed a further clampdown on e-scooters and e-bikes in the area on Monday 1 June, which saw six e-scooters and one e-bike seized.

The MIB is responsible for tackling uninsured driving across the UK and has recently funded a Toyota Corolla to help us keep our roads safe.

Inspector Chris Moss, from the RCT, said: “Officers are working proactively every day to seize any vehicle that is being used illegally or anti-socially.

“Where appropriate, we will pursue prosecutions against those continuing to use vehicles illegally and dangerously.

“This forms part of our commitment to ensuring we tackle reports of anti-social behaviour and driving offences as proactively and effectively as possible.

“I would urge anyone using or considering buying an e-scooter or e-bike, to check the law before using it.

“By understanding the rules and using legal, approved vehicles everyone can help keep our roads and public spaces safe.”

The ins and outs of e-scooter and electric bike law

While certain electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) can be used legally, they must meet strict requirements, including limits on power output and the need to be pedal assisted.

To be legal it must:

• Have pedals that can be used to move the bike
• Have a motor with a maximum continuous power of 250 watts
• Only provide electric assistance up to 15.5mph (25km/h)

It is currently illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK.

Under UK law, they are classed as motor vehicles. This means they require both a driving licence and insurance.

As there are no insurance products available for private e-scooters, anyone riding one in public is automatically driving uninsured.

Riding an e-scooter illegally carries the same penalties as uninsured driving, including:

• Vehicle seizure and potential destruction
• An unlimited fine if taken to court
• Six penalty points on your licence
• A potential driving ban

Where a rider does not yet hold a licence, the DVLA can create a ‘ghost licence’, meaning penalty points will still apply later.

Government-approved rental e-scooters that are insured as part of official trials are legal to be used in public.

For further information about the MIB visit: Make a claim or check and learn about insurance | Making roads safer | MIB