Put the brakes on e-scooter and illegal electric bikes this Christmas

Dear Resident,

E‑scooters and electric bikes are popular gifts, but many parents do not realise that some of these are illegal to use in public. Giving the wrong one could lead to fines, the bike or scooter being seized by police.

When purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike check the fine print with the retailer. Most have signs or warnings on display but it is not always obvious. Remember not to rush into Boxing Day deals and check deals are legitimate before buying online.

Private e‑scooters cannot be used on roads, pavements, parks, or any public space. They are only legal on private land with permission as they are classed as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The only e‑scooters allowed on public roads are rental scooters in official trial areas. You must hold the correct driving licence and meet the minimum age limit.

If you ride a private e‑scooter in public, the police can take it away and fine you. If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter, the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car. 

Not all electric bikes are illegal. You can ride an electric bike, or an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle' (EAPC), without a license or insurance if you're 14 or over.

Legal electric bikes or EAPCs must:

Approved e-bikes can be used on roads, cycle paths, and other places bikes are allowed.

If the bike goes faster or has a more powerful motor, it’s classed as a motor vehicle. That means you’d need insurance, tax, and a licence – and without those, riding it is illegal. If police see you riding an illegal e-bike in public space, in an antisocial manner, they can take it away and fine you.

If you're looking to buy a bike or scooter for your child you must:

Don’t let a gift turn into a legal problem. Read the small print, buy carefully, and keep your child safe and out of trouble. We want to keep you and others safe. Illegal vehicles can pose serious risks to pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. By following the law, you’re helping make roads and public spaces safer for everyone.

Earlier this month, officers from our Birmingham city centre team seized six illegal e-bikes and one moped during a targeted operation. In Coventry, officers continue to work with partners to reduce illegal e-bikes in the city centre as part of the force's winter of action campaign - a campaign that looks to reduce antisocial and violent behaviour on our streets.

If you spot someone riding e-bikes or e-scooters dangerously and capture it on your dashcam, CCTV, or passenger mobile phone, we want to hear from you.

Call us on 101 or report antisocial behaviour online here.