Parents are inadvertently encouraging their children to break the law by purchasing them electric bikes and scooters, according to Donna Jones, a police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Jones stated that many parents are unaware that all electric scooters and certain electric bikes are illegal to ride on public roads unless they meet strict regulatory standards.
"Parents can buy them online or in High Street stores – some don't realise that by buying them that they are encouraging their young people to break the law," Jones said, emphasizing that purchasing these vehicles is akin to encouraging a child to commit a crime. She called on the Department for Transport to launch a public education campaign, similar to past road safety initiatives, to inform the public about the illegality of using non-compliant e-bikes and scooters.
Jones also raised concerns about the difficulty police face in apprehending riders of these illegal vehicles, particularly modified ones that can reach speeds of 40-50 mph. She noted that while police have the authority to seize and crush illegal machines, especially those linked to criminal activity, physically catching the riders is the primary challenge. The speed and agility of these vehicles, often navigating through alleyways, parks, and housing estates, make it nearly impossible for officers on standard patrol bikes to keep up.
To address this, Jones's force has invested in specialized off-road dirt bikes for pursuit. However, she stressed the need for more police officers to be trained in the specific skills required to safely intercept e-bikes and scooters, describing the maneuver as a "tactical hit" similar to stopping a car. She indicated that the government needs to provide more support to towns and communities grappling with this issue.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has also acknowledged the need for clearer education on e-bike regulations. Tony Campbell, Chief Executive of MCIA, stated that the organization has developed a guide to help police forces identify illegal e-bikes at the roadside. He pointed out that a significant portion of illegal e-bike usage is by delivery drivers and suggested that major companies employing these drivers are not doing enough to ensure compliance with regulations. Campbell warned that the prevalence of illegal, high-powered e-bikes is damaging the business of traders who sell legal models.