Warning that police in Cheltenham will seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

Police are warning that officers will continue to seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters being used on pavements and cycle paths in Cheltenham.

The warning comes after an increase in the amount of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters being used dangerously around the town centre with many people unaware they are committing offences.

Both modes of transport are classed as motor vehicles and privately owned ones cannot be ridden on roads, pavements or in any other public place.

Unfortunately, many electric bikes being ridden on our roads and pedestrianised areas are not legal as electric bikes should not exceed 250 watts.

The maximum speed which the motor can legally assist the bike whilst pedalling must not exceed 15.5mph or 24.94 km/h. In addition, the electric motor should not assist the bike to exceed 3.7mph or 5.95km when unassisted (e.g. the rider is not pedalling). 

These illegal e-bikes and scooters cannot be insured or registered for road use, therefore anyone using a private e-bike or e-scooter on a road or in a public place is committing insurance and driving licence offences.

Anyone flouting the law risks a £300 fixed penalty notice, six points on a driving licence, and your illegal electric bike or scooter will be seized and destroyed.

Anyone found using one whilst intoxicated through either drink or drugs is also liable to being arrested in the same way as they would be if they were driving a car whilst intoxicated.

These e-scooters and illegal e-bikes are widely available to buy both in stores and online, but not everyone knows the regulations when they purchase them.

Recent operations conducted by the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team saw the team test and seize bikes which were illegal.

Approximately 15 illegal bikes have been seized this year from the streets of Cheltenham.

There are trial rental e-scooters in the county which can be used within designated areas; provided the users have the necessary driver licence and follow the requirements of the rental company. These are the pink scooters found in the town centre.

The VOI trial e-scooters in Cheltenham can be used:

• Within the area designated by the rental company
• By people with a driving licence with a category Q (this is included within categories P, AM, A or B)
• By people who have registered with the rental company and rented the vehicle correctly themselves
• In accordance with all relevant Road Traffic legislation and the guidance of the rental company
• If anyone is found to be riding the vehicle in a way that contravenes the law they are liable to be reported and may have points added to their driving licence.

Full guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters/information-sheet-guidance-on-powered-transporters

Sergeant Steve Wilkinson from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have done a lot of work to educate riders following issues with people using illegal electric bikes and scooters in the town centre.

"Local residents have raised particular concerns about delivery drivers riding e-bikes and e-scooters dangerously and as a result of this PCSOs held an education talk with a volunteer translator to ensure that the delivery drivers knew the legislation.

"My PCSOs have also contacted the delivery companies directly to ensure they are educating their drivers."

E-bikes which were seized following an operation

An e-scooter which was seized

An educational leaflet which has been designed and distributed