Police recently seized six e-bikes and two e-scooters as part of targeted action in Torquay to tackle their illegal and dangerous use.
The proactive enforcement saw police drones deployed to identify people using e-bikes and e-scooters, and officers on the ground approaching riders to carry out safety checks and give advice on using them safely and legally.
The e-bikes were seized after they were found to have illegal modifications which meant they could reach speeds over the legal limit, and the e-scooters seized for being used in a public space.
Police Sergeant Matt Gill, who supported the activity, said: “Our officers remain committed to keeping all riders, road users and other members of the public safe, and targeted action like this is key in doing so.
“E-bikes are heavy pieces of equipment and, when illegally modified to exceed the legal speed limit and ridden carelessly, they can pose a significant danger to other road users, pedestrians and the rider themselves.
“We take no pleasure in seizing these from people, but when they have the potential to cause serious and in some cases life-changing injuries, it is important that we take action.”
The operation was led by the Torquay Neighbourhood team and the Neighbourhood Support team, supported by the Drone Unit.
If you’re looking at buying and/or gifting an e-scooter or e-bike over the festive season, please make sure know the laws and stick to them.
If you see someone using an e-scooter on public land or using an e-bike illegally, report it on our website or by calling 101. Report | Devon & Cornwall Police
If they are causing immediate danger, call 999.
You can also share information 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
The laws on e-bike and e-scooters:
E-scooters:
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
It’s currently not possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means that:
- It’s illegal to ride an e-scooter on public land. This includes roads, pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways or any publicly accessible land such as parks and car parks.
- You can only use e-scooters on private land with the land owners permission
E-bikes:
You can ride an e-bike without a licence or insurance if you’re 14 or over, providing that your e-bike:
- Has pedals that you can use to propel it
- Has a motor with a continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts
- Does not deliver electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 miles per hour (mph).
E-bikes cannot be ridden on pavements.
They must only be ridden on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.
If e-bikes do not meet the above criteria, the e-bike is actually classed as a moped or even a motorbike. That means it must only be ridden on the road and to ride it legally, you must have a valid driving licence, insurance and you must wear a motorcycle helmet.
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