Police to crack down on illegal use of e-bikes

Lincolnshire Police is cracking down on electric bikes being used illegally.

The force said it had seen an increase in reports of e-bikes and scooters being ridden in an "antisocial manner".

E-bikes can be ridden on a road or cycle path by people aged 14 and above as long as they have pedals and is not able to exceed 15.5mph (24.9km/h).

"The unfortunate truth is that there are many people around the county who do not adhere to these regulations and ride these vehicles illegally on a daily basis," the force added.

Police said people riding e-bikes and scooters without helmets and at high speed "present danger to themselves and other road users".

They added anyone who is seen not adhering to the regulations in public would be stopped, their bike or scooter seized and the rider would be liable to recovery and storage fees.

The e-bike, which is an electrically assisted pedal cycle, must have approved markings to identify its power and manufacturer.

If they do not have these markings, they are legally considered to be a motorcycle or moped, and must have lights, indicators, registration plate, vehicle tax and a valid MOT, with appropriate license and insurance, the force said.

Insp Jason Baxter, of the roads policing unit, said he wanted communities to work with the force to "prevent the antisocial behaviour that is being experienced within our towns and cities".

People can report incidents to police, making a note of the dates, times, locations and descriptions of the bikes and riders, or provide CCTV footage.

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