Parents advised to think carefully about e-bikes as presents
The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is an issue we are working really hard to tackle.
In a recent bout of activity, we seized over 30 in one week – and we are employing every tactic available to us to bring riders to a stop and keep the community safe.
One pedal bike we seized recently had been converted into an e-bike capable of reaching speeds of 72mph!
We also removed an e-scooter from a youth that showed as reaching speeds of 52mph.
People are getting hurt now – including the riders themselves.
We just need it to STOP.
We often see comments on our social posts asking about the rules around the use of e-bikes and scooters on public land.
We also require parents and carers to fully understand the rules around these vehicles before purchasing them for their children.
Here are a few reminders:
E-bikes: You can ride an electric bike, or an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC), without a license or insurance if you’re 14 or over. However, it MUST
•Have pedals that you can use to propel it.
•Have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts.
•Have no electrical assistance once you reach 15.5mph.
If your electric bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped. You also need a licence.
Failure to comply with that will lead to prosecution.
E-scooters: It is illegal to use e-scooters on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance.
If you own an e-scooter, you can only use it in on private land, such as in a garden. But you must have the permission of the landowner to do so.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter/e-motorbike, the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
E-scooters are illegal for use in any public space unless rented as part of an e-scooter rental trial in some parts of the UK.
PLEASE SHARE – and thank you for your support.
Alnwick Neighbourhood Policing Team
