Police clampdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

People riding illegal e-scooters and e-bikes will be stopped and have them seized as part of a crackdown on the vehicles across Wiltshire.

Newly-launched Op Jetsom is a two-phase operation targeting the illegal use of the vehicles across the county and take them off our streets to protect the public.

For the next five weeks, Wiltshire Police will be running an educational and awareness campaign explaining the law around privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes. 

This will involve stopping users and explaining the law, conducting school visits before term ends and an awareness social media campaign.

Those who are stopped and have been involved in another crime, such as speeding, antisocial behaviour or acts of violence, will still have them seized.

From August 1, anyone who is stopped riding an illegal e-scooter or modified, high-powered e-bikes can expect to have it seized and destroyed.

The operation is a response to numerous complaints that the police receive about the vehicles being ridden dangerously and as a means for associated criminality and antisocial behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders said: “We are aware of the considerable public concern around high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters, which are often ridden dangerously on our roads and pavements.

“We’re also aware of the link between e-bikes, which have often been illegally modified and can reach speeds of more than 40mph, and youth violence across the country.

“It is something we have seen in Swindon and the wider county, where they are used to commit serious crimes while also putting the riders of these vehicles and other road users at risk of serious injury. We are determined to clear our streets of them to protect the public.

“Both modes of transport are illegal for a reason. They put pedestrians going about their daily business in danger, particularly when ridden through busy areas at high speeds.

“We know there are many people who use their e-scooters for innocent reasons, such as travelling to work or visiting friends.

“The law is very clear, however, that unless you are in a trial scheme area on an official rented e-scooter, they are illegal to ride in public.

“There are no such trial schemes anywhere in Wiltshire.

“We also know there is also confusion about the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters, which is why we are running an awareness phase first to educate both riders and buyers of the vehicles, such as parents, of the law surrounding them.

“From August 1, if you’re seen on one by officers, expect to be stopped and have it seized – and as they are uninsurable, you won’t be able to get it back.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “We’re seeing a growing number of incidents where e-bikes and e-scooters are being used irresponsibly or even for criminal activity, and that cannot be ignored.

“My office recently ran the Spot the Signs Stop the Crime campaign in partnership with Wiltshire Police, which educated young people and their parents on the red flags around potential child exploitation – and unfortunately, use of these illegal vehicles are often related to county lines and criminal gang activity.

“This targeted response is about sending a clear message: if you’re using these vehicles illegally or dangerously, you will be stopped, your vehicle may be seized, and you could face prosecution.

“At the same time, we recognise that many people simply aren’t aware of the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters. That’s why education is a key part of our approach—helping people understand the legal requirements and the potential risks involved.

“Our priority is public safety and whilst we want to support the responsible use of these vehicles, we won’t tolerate behaviour that puts others at risk or contributes towards crime on our streets.”

The police have issued details of the relevant laws:

E-scooters:

- Classed as ‘powered transporters’ and must meet the same laws as motor vehicles

- This means they need a licence, MOT, tax and insurance to be ridden legally.

- As they don’t meet the safety criteria necessary to be insured, it is illegal to use them on roads, pavements and public areas such as parks.

- Some parts of the country are running pilot schemes where the public can rent e-scooters. There is no such scheme in Wiltshire.

E-bikes:

- Legal e-bikes are called electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs).

- If you are aged over 14, they are legal to ride on our roads but must meet certain criteria.

- It must have pedals which must be engaged to propel it, the motor must have a maximum output of 250 watts and it must not be able to provide electric assistance over 15.5mph.

- If it doesn’t meet this criteria, it is treated as a motor vehicle and needs a licence, MOT, tax and insurance to be ridden legally.