Essex Police to target illegal and unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters
Essex Police is supporting a National Day of Action to tackle the illegal use of e-scooters and unsafe e-bikes
Essex police and 24 other police forces across the UK are supporting a co-ordinated initiative to tackle the illegal use of e-scooter and e-bikes.
The National Day of Action is led by the Motor Insurers' Bureau and will focus on raising awareness around the law, education and enforcement, officers targeting illegal vehicles and the promotion of safe use of legal electric-powered transport.
It will be led in Essex by the Roads Policing Unit, working with Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
The police say that e-scooters have become increasingly visible on roads and pavements and that there is significant confusion around the law.
Privately-owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or cycle paths. They are only permitted on private land with the landowner’s consent.
The only e-scooters that can be used legally in public are part of government-approved rental trials, which operate in specific areas.
Therefore, using a privately owned e-scooter in public areas is illegal. The police say they will seize any e-scooters breaking the law.
They also clarified the law on legal e-bikes, which 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)
If an e-bike exceeds these rules, for example, if it can be powered without pedalling, has a more powerful motor, or exceeds the top speed allowed, it is classed as a motor vehicle and can be seized by police.
During the day of action, officers will:
• Carry out targeted enforcement against illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in public places
• Seize those being used unlawfully
• Speak with riders to explain the law and personal risks
• Raise awareness among communities about how we are tackling related antis-social behaviour
The aim is to reduce harm, prevent collisions, and ensure people understand the difference between legal and illegal vehicles.
Inspector Steve Rooney, Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Many users don’t know that private e-scooters are illegal on UK roads and pavements.
“They are often seen by the public as low-risk and a fun way to get about, but riders are often unprotected and may be young or inexperienced on our roads. Private e-scooters are not roadworthy enough to be on today’s roads.
“High speeds and illegal use in shared public spaces also puts pedestrians and other road users at risk, not just create anti-social behaviour.”
Essex Police urge anyone using or considering buying an e-scooter or e-bike to check the law before using it.