Clarification re scooters and E-bikes

Our earlier alert referred to all e-bike being illegal to use on public roads, cycle paths or pavements.

This was incorrect, e-bikes classified as an EAPC (electronically assisted pedal cycle) can be used on all public roads and cycle paths.

To be classified as an EAPC, an e-bike must:

E-bikes that fall outside of this need to be taxed, insured and driven by someone with a license.

We are seeing ‘electric mini-dirt bikes’ being bought for children in the area. These types of bikes fall outside of the above EAPC regulations, so can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. Many adverts don’t make this clear, so please do your research before buying to avoid being left out of pocket for a vehicle you can’t use legally.

Police do take action against e-bikes, ‘dirt bikes’ and e-motorbikes that have been altered to go outside of the above restrictions and/or ridden without license, tax or insurance. In these cases, the bikes are often seized and destroyed.