Wardens to tackle Coventry e-bike "menace"
Plans include more enforcement officers and mobile cameras
Coventry City Council is introducing new strategies to address the nuisance caused by e-bikes.
Almost two dozen new staff members will be deployed with more powers to halt illegal riding of e-bikes in pedestrian areas, and the use of mobile cameras to capture offenders is also being considered.
Community safety chief, Councillor John McNicholas, divulged these new initiatives following inquiries by Reform UK representatives.
Between December 2024 and June 2026, the council issued 47 fixed penalty notices and provided advice on 10 other occasions to e-bike and e-scooter riders using the city centre improperly.
In the same timeframe, the city experienced 17 incidents involving these vehicles, including one e-bike collision in the city centre.
Community Safety Wardens Expansion
Councillor Marcus Lapsa requested more detailed information on the council’s plans, prompting Councillor McNicholas to announce the introduction of 18 compliance officers and five neighbourhood support officers.
An expansion of community safety resources will grant more authority to wardens tasked with addressing this issue across the city.
Addressing the wider problem
In response to Councillor Lapsa’s concerns about illegal off-road biking activities in parks, Councillor McNicholas highlighted the limitations posed by current legislation and funding challenges for camera implementation.
However, he acknowledged the importance of dealing with these risks, especially in areas frequented by children, pledging to consider mobile cameras as part of a broader strategy against illegal riding.
Public Spaces Protection Order renewal
The council is consulting on strengthening its Public Spaces Protection Order when it is renewed after November 2026. Enhancements will refine existing controls on e-bikes and e-scooters and introduce new regulations against amplified religious preaching.