Parents are being urged to educate themselves on the legality of electric bikes and scooters, as a police chief warns that purchasing these vehicles for children can lead to them breaking the law. Donna Jones, a police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, stated that many parents are unaware that most electric scooters and some electric bikes are illegal for use on public roads unless they meet strict regulatory standards.
Jones called on the Department for Transport to launch a public awareness campaign, comparing it to past government initiatives that educated the public on road safety. "People need to realize that they are breaking the law or encouraging their children to break the law if they buy these bikes and scooters," she said.
Challenges in Enforcement
The commissioner also highlighted difficulties police face in enforcing regulations. She noted that illegal e-bikes and scooters can often travel at speeds of 40-50 mph, especially if they have been modified, making them difficult for law enforcement to intercept. Jones stated that while police have the power to seize and crush illegal vehicles, particularly those linked to criminal activity, the primary issue is physically catching the riders.
"They are off through alleyways, parks and housing estates so if a police officer is on a normal e bike, they just can’t keep up with them," Jones explained. She added that pursuing these vehicles requires specialized police riders with advanced skills, and that there are insufficient numbers of officers trained for such pursuits across the UK.
To address this, Jones's force has invested in unmarked off-road dirt bikes to pursue illegal riders. However, she stressed the need for more government support to equip and train police forces to tackle the growing problem effectively.
Industry Perspective
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has also emphasized the need for greater public education regarding legal and illegal e-bikes. Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, stated that the association has developed a guide to assist police in identifying non-compliant e-bikes at the roadside. He noted that a significant number of illegal e-bikes are used by delivery drivers and suggested that companies employing these drivers should take more responsibility.
"The large organisations turn a blind eye to the fact that the services they are employing are being delivered on illegal vehicles," Campbell remarked. He warned that the proliferation of illegal, high-powered e-bikes is damaging the businesses of traders who sell legally compliant bicycles.