Calls for tougher e-bike and scooter enforcement

A council has called for stricter enforcement against illegal e-scooters and modified e-bikes.

A motion discussed by Nottinghamshire county councillors on Thursday said the vehicles pose a "growing safety and anti-social behaviour risk" to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

It called for a change in the law to make it an offence to operate a motor-powered vehicle unless it is registered, taxed and insured and the operator holds a licence, regardless of its power or the speed it can achieve.

The government said it has given police stronger powers and is introducing new laws to improve safety.

Under current law, e-bikes must comply with UK Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) regulations, including a 15.5mph (24.9km/h) speed limit and a motor power of no more than 250W.

Non-compliant models are classified as motor vehicles, requiring insurance, taxation and a valid licence.

It is also illegal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter in public.

Nottinghamshire Police said it had seized 112 e-bikes as part of a crackdown in Nottingham city centre launched last November, including one capable of 72mph (115km/h).

It added it had issued 19 warning letters and 229 education packs as part of Operation Wrangel.

A police spokesperson said: "While these results are encouraging, our work is far from over.

"We understand the concerns illegal e-bikes can cause for residents, businesses and visitors, and we remain committed to taking action against those who use them illegally and irresponsibly."

The motion, tabled by Conservative councillor Keith Girling, also committed the council to using its Trading Standards powers to take action against retailers and other suppliers of unsafe e-bikes and scooters.

"They're being ridden at excessive speeds on pavements, through pedestrian areas, parks and playing fields," he said.

"For some residents, particularly elderly people, people with disabilities and parents of young children, it isn't simply annoying. It's intimidation."

He added he was not opposed to electric bikes in general, provided they are legal and used appropriately.

The request for a change in the law was added to the motion by Reform UK, which runs the council.

Proposing the amendment, Reform UK councillor Mike Robertson said the law should "remove the ambiguity of policing".

"I've not met a police officer who can look at an e-scooter or e-bike and say, 'That's 250 watts, that's 15.5mph', they can't do it," he said.

"They have to sink a huge amount of resources into getting a task force out on to the street to stop people and then test the bikes before they can enforce against it."

The amended motion passed unanimously.

The council is also set to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to request a review of whether current penalties and enforcement "provide a sufficient deterrent".

A government spokesperson said: "Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on roads, pavements, and other public spaces, and we're bringing forward new laws to make their use safe.

"Illegal e-bikes that can reach dangerous speeds also have no place on our roads. We've given police stronger powers to seize vehicles used anti-socially, and we are cracking down on unsafe products sold online."

Nottinghamshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden, said technology used to test the speed of e-bikes in the city centre could be introduced in other areas.

"Whilst Nottingham city centre clearly has the highest volume of incidents due to its size, it is an issue that affects all of our town centres across Nottinghamshire – and we are not alone as it affects towns and cities across the country.

"I will continue to lobby the Transport Secretary for further restrictions on the sales of e-scooters – which are illegal to ride in public unless they are part of a recognised hire scheme – and greater powers to tackle illegal e-bikes."

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