Tackling illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in Dorset

Tackling illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in Dorset

As part of this month’s One Decision, road safety campaign, this week I would like to pick up on the decisions being made when it comes to buying an e-scooter or an e-bike. Illegal e-scooters and e-bikes are becoming an increasingly visible issue in communities across Dorset. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know that residents want to see action when these vehicles are being ridden dangerously, causing nuisance or being used as part of wider criminal activity.

While e-scooters and e-bikes can provide a convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel when used legally, there are clear rules around what can and cannot be used on public roads and other public places. Increasingly, we are seeing vehicles that have been modified or are capable of speeds and power levels that take them outside the law. 

Across the country, illegal e-scooters and e-bikes have been linked to collisions involving pedestrians, anti-social behaviour and offences such as phone snatching. There is also emerging evidence of higher-powered and modified e-bikes being used in connection with wider criminality.

There is still some misunderstanding around the laws around e-scooters and e-bike. That is why Dorste Police and my office have been providing clear and consistent information to the public about the risks and legal requirements around e-scooters and other e-mobility vehicles for several years. This includes messaging aimed at parents and carers, particularly those who may be considering buying an e-scooter or illegally modified e-bike as a birthday or Christmas present.

With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, I want to reinforce that message: if you are considering buying an e-scooter or illegally modified e-bike make sure you understand the law before you buy. Many of the vehicles being sold can only be used on private land not public roads and pavements, please do not buy one for your child or any young person unless you have private land sufficient for their use.

Changes to the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force in June, strengthened police powers in relation to illegal e-bikes and other vehicles being used anti-socially. Officers are no longer required to issue a warning before seizing these vehicles, meaning they can take immediate action when an illegal vehicle is encountered on the public highway and, where appropriate, pursue prosecution for relevant road traffic offences. For younger riders, cases can also be referred to the Youth Justice Out of Court Resolution Team, where the circumstances can be considered and an appropriate outcome determined.

Seizing these vehicles is an important part of the response. It prevents an illegal vehicle from continuing to be used in the community and, where appropriate, vehicles can subsequently be destroyed in line with police procedures. Dorset Police is taking action to remove illegal e-scooters from our streets, with 69 seized in 2024, rising to 118 in 2025. A further 70 have already been seized so far in 2026. These figures demonstrate the proactive work being carried out by officers to tackle the illegal use of these vehicles and help keep our communities safe.

The crime and Policing Act 2026 has strengthened police powers meaning that Dorset Police have a more immediate and robust way of dealing with illegal and anti-social use. However, enforcement is only one part of the answer. Illegal e-scooters and bikes are being tackled through a partnership approach involving Dorset Police, local authorities, community safety and anti-social behaviour teams, youth services and other partners.

Through Operation Think, Dorset Police is combining enforcement and vehicle seizures with high-visibility patrols, intelligence sharing, community engagement and education. Neighbourhood Policing Teams are also working with local authorities, housing associations and other partners to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and identify hotspots. Where e-scooters and e-bikes are part of wider or persistent anti-social behaviour, partners can use a range of other powers and interventions to address not just the vehicle, but the behaviour and individuals behind it.

This joined-up approach is important because simply taking vehicles off the streets will not, on its own, solve the problem. We also need to understand why people are using them illegally, educate young people and their families about the risks, and work with communities to prevent the behaviour from becoming entrenched.

Ultimately, this is about keeping people safe. Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have no place being used to intimidate pedestrians, cause anti-social behaviour or put other road users at risk. I welcome the stronger powers now available to Dorset Police and the work being done by officers and partners across the county. But enforcement works best when it is backed by informed choices from the public.

So, if you are thinking about buying an e-scooter or e-bike this Christmas, do your homework before you buy. Know what is legal, know the risks and make sure that your Christmas present does not become a danger to your child or to other people.

The message is simple: enjoy e-bikes responsibly, use hire scheme e-scooters lawfully, and if it is illegal, don't ride it on our streets.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner