Increased Use of E-Bikes, E-Scooters and Sur-Ron Electric Dirt Bikes

Dorset Police have received a number of reports and concerns from members of the public regarding the increased use of e-bikes, e-scooters and Sur-Ron style electric dirt bikes in public places across the area.

Many of these vehicles are subject to specific legal requirements. Privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads, pavements, cycle paths or other public spaces. Similarly, electric dirt bikes and certain modified or high-powered e-bikes may only be used lawfully on private land with the permission of the landowner. Their use in public places may result in offences being committed, including driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and other road traffic offences.

The unlawful use of these vehicles can pose a significant risk to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, particularly when they are ridden at excessive speeds or in antisocial manner.

We encourage members of the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing intelligence with us. Community information is often the key to identifying offenders, locating vehicles and enabling officers to take positive enforcement action. If you know of individuals who are regularly using e-scooters, Sur-Ron bikes or other electric vehicles unlawfully in public places, please let us know.

Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and may prove invaluable in helping us build an intelligence picture, identify those responsible and address the ongoing misuse of these vehicles within our communities. Even information that may seem minor could help us prevent future incidents and improve road safety for everyone.

Information can be reported via the Dorset Police website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Your information, no matter how small it may seem, can play an important role in helping us keep our communities safe and preventing future incidents.

Thank you for your continued support.