Commissioner gives e-scooter and e-bike warning in run up to Christmas

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer is urging residents across the county to look at the law and think twice before buying an electronic bike (e-bike) or electronic scooter (e-scooter) for children this Christmas.

The law states any electric scooter – or personal light electric vehicle – cannot be used legally on the road anywhere in the UK. They can only be used on private land – with permission. The exception to this is rental scooters, which can now be used legally on roads.

The law also states that you must be over the age of 16 and have a full or provisional car / motorcycle / moped license.

Motorised pedal bicycles (e-bikes) – or Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles can be ridden on roads in the UK. However, riders need to be over the age of 14. Those under the age of 14 can ride e-bikes off-road only.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said:

“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a novelty and can seem like a great gift to get for children at Christmas. However, if you don’t fully understand the legislation that surrounds them, you could end up having them confiscated by the police who are cracking down on these vehicles.

“Both e-bikes and e-scooters can reach limits of 15.5mph, which can be problematic not only for road users but also for pedestrians. In my Police and Crime Plan, making Cheshire’s roads safer is a key priority for me. Travelling at speed on a pavement on an e-bike or e-scooter can have catastrophic consequences if you’re in a collision with a pedestrian.”

Inspector Anton Sullivan from Cheshire Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit said:

“I support the lawful and appropriate use of electrically assisted vehicles and electrically assisted pedal cycles. We recognise the personal and environmental benefits they can bring to people and their communities.

“People thinking of buying e-bikes and scooters need to be aware of the laws and limitations around their use. Please do your research before you spend what can be considerable amounts of money on them.

“To those who choose to ignore the law or to use these bikes and scooters in an anti-social manner, we will continue to robustly enforce the law where necessary.”

E-bikes and e-scooters have become a valuable commodity for those who wish to commit crime. Thefts of e-scooters and e-bikes is on the rise.

John Dwyer added:

“Criminals are starting to use e-bikes and e-scooters as a means of transport when committing crime. In some cases, they’re stealing them before going on to commit other offences.

“It’s not worth the risk of having your child’s present either confiscated by police or stolen by criminals this Christmas. I urge you to please think twice about purchasing one.”