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A message and request from Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Team:
We’ve had numerous calls for service regarding electric bikes (often known as ‘Suron-style bikes’) and unregistered petrol motorbikes being ridden recklessly around the Skegness area by currently unknown individuals.
We know the impact this behaviour is having, and we’re taking it seriously. Our Neighbourhood Policing and Response Teams are taking action to tackle illegal and anti-social use of e-bikes and motorbikes in Skegness. But we need input from our community.
These irresponsible riders will be known by some; they will be family members and friends. If somebody you know or love is riding one of these bikes illegally in an anti-social or dangerous manner, we would urge you to speak with them about the consequences of their actions. They are putting themselves and others in danger and there are potential penalties such as fines, penalty points and losing the bike should we seize it.
We’re asking members of the community to share any information with us that will identify people responsible for riding illegal bikes on our roads and public spaces causing a danger to those around them and themselves.
Please call our control room on 101 or 999 if a rider is causing an immediate danger to the public or report online if there is no longer any imminent danger.
Make a note of the dates, times, locations, the descriptions of the bikes, any clothing the riders are wearing. We’d be keen to view any CCTV or recorded footage of the bikes and to know any addresses the bikes are being stored at or visiting.
In appropriate circumstances we have tactics available to our trained officers and pursuit managers who are able to authorise certain tactics in relation to illegal bikes. We would always prefer to prevent offences and dangerous incidents than to have to deal with the consequences afterwards.”
An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC).
An EAPC can be ridden on a road or cycle path like any other bicycle by any person over 14 years of age. There are many riders who use these bikes lawfully and safely.
The bikes must have pedals and the electric motor must not allow the bike to travel at more than 15.5mph. The bike must have approved markings to identify the power of the bike and the manufacturer.
If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules then it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped. A non EAPC often has a different frame and a suspension system with wider tyres. They are able to exceed 15.5mph.
These more powerful electric, Suron-style motorbikes, or mopeds must have lights and indicators, a registration plate, the rider must have insurance and the bike must have a current test certificate and vehicle tax. The rider is required to wear a helmet that meets British safety standards and have a valid driving licence to ride one, with at least a category A1 or CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) licence, depending on the class of bike.
If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules it can only be ridden on the road and cannot be ridden on cycle tracks or cycle lanes. These bikes will be seized if our officers have cause to deal with anybody using them in a public place.
Rules on E-bikes can be found on the following link: Riding an electric bike: the rules - https://gov.uk/ | 
