Road Safety - E-Bikes

Good afternoon Resident,

Last week, the #South Neighbourhood Team, supported by specialist resources including the Roads Policing Unit, Motorbikes, and the Tactical Dog Unit, conducted a proactive operation to tackle the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. This took place in and around Bolton Town Centre, including the main arterial routes into and out of the area. 

In the space of approximately 4 hours, we; 

🛵 Seized 8 illegal e-bikes - some of which travelled at speeds of almost 40mph and were being used on pedestrian routes, causing danger to members of the public. 

🛴 Seized 5 illegal e-scooters.

🚲 Stopped and checked numerous other e-bikes to ensure they were complaint and legal for use on our roads.

📩 Issued 8 Traffic Offence reports, with a further 6 to be summonsed to court for traffic offences.

🚔 Arrested 1 male for possession of a bladed article and racially aggravated public order. He was later charged and remanded to attend court. 

🚨 Stop searched 3 persons, two of which had class B drugs on their person, and have since been dealt with by means of a community resolution. 

E-bikes can be an excellent way to commute and travel around Bolton, however it is vital that they are legal and comply with the EAPC rules. You do not need a licence to ride e-bikes that comply, and they also do not need to be registered, insured or taxed, however those that fall outside of this guidance require a valid driving licence, along with it being registered, insured and taxed. 

For more information on e-bikes, please visit: Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK

If you have concerns over illegal or dangerous e-bike use in your area, please let us know.