⚠️ E-BIKES: A MESSAGE TO PARENTS AND CARERS

⚠️ E-BIKES: A MESSAGE TO PARENTS AND CARERS

Good Morning

Across Trafford, we are seeing an increasing number of e-bikes that appear to have been modified beyond legal limits. We are also receiving reports of dangerous riding, anti-social behaviour and incidents that place both riders and members of the public at risk.

Many parents and carers may be unknowingly putting their children at risk by buying, modifying, or allowing them to ride e-bikes that are not road legal. Every parent wants the best for their child, but many may not realise just how powerful some of these bikes can be.

Before purchasing an e-bike, ask yourself:

Is a vehicle capable of road speeds, requiring no training, licence or registration, something my child can safely control?

When e-bikes are modified beyond legal limits, they stop being bicycles and effectively become powerful motor vehicles capable of causing serious injury, or worse.

A legal e-bike must: 

✅ Have working pedals

✅ Have a motor rated at no more than 250 watts

✅ Only provide electrical assistance up to 15.5mph

✅ Be ridden by someone aged 14 or over

If a bike exceeds these limits, it may legally be classed as a moped or motorcycle, meaning it requires registration, insurance and the appropriate driving licence.

Our officers will continue to target illegal bikes and remove them from our streets. However, enforcement alone will not solve this issue. Many people ask why police do not simply pursue every rider. The reality is that pursuits carry significant risks, particularly when the rider is a child with limited experience controlling a powerful vehicle. While removing illegal bikes is important, it can never come at the cost of a young person being seriously injured or killed.

That is why prevention must start at home

Parents and carers have the biggest influence on keeping young people safe. By taking an interest in what your child is riding, checking that it is legal, and having conversations about responsible use, you can significantly reduce the risks they face. It is also important to understand that responsibility does not rest solely with the rider. The law recognises that those who cause or permit a child to use a vehicle unlawfully may also face consequences. Put simply, knowingly allowing a child to ride an illegal e-bike could result in legal repercussions for both the rider and the parent or carer involved.

Our aim is not to criminalise families. It is to prevent tragedy, protect young people and ensure that parents have the information they need to make informed decisions. 

Nobody buys their child an e-bike expecting them to come to harm, yet the consequences of illegal or modified bikes can be devastating for families and communities alike. 

No police operation, seizure campaign or enforcement initiative will ever be as effective as a parent making the decision that their child's safety comes first.

Please have that conversation today

We will continue our enforcement activity across Trafford whilst working with schools, parents and communities to raise awareness and keep young people safe.

If you witness illegal or anti-social e-bike use, please report it online or via 101. Always call 999 if there is an immediate danger to life or a crime is taking place.

Thank you,

Inspector Matthew Harvey - Trafford Neighbourhood Team