Police caution public on increasing risks from illicit e-bikes

Police Scotland has issued a warning regarding an increasing prevalence of e-bikes that have been illegally modified. This alert comes after a series of crashes and resulting injuries observed in urban areas. According to information obtained by BBC Scotland News, law enforcement officials confiscated nearly 300 hazardous bikes during the period from January to September of the current year. Certain vehicles, which began as standard pedal bicycles, have been retrofitted with electric motors, enabling them to achieve speeds significantly exceeding their braking capabilities—at times reaching up to 40mph while being ridden on pavements. The police force has cautioned that individuals apprehended operating an illicit e-bike on public thoroughfares may face charges and have their vehicle impounded. While it is permissible to operate an electric bicycle without a driving licence, and such vehicles are exempt from registration, taxation, or insurance mandates, they are nonetheless required to satisfy specific criteria. E-bikes are mandated to possess pedals, and their motors must cease providing power to the wheels once a speed of 15.5mph is surpassed. Furthermore, these bikes are governed by the identical road regulations as conventional bicycles, implying their usage is restricted to designated cycle paths and roads. A bicycle exceeding a speed of 15.5mph or possessing a motor output greater than 250 watts is categorized as a motor vehicle, thereby falling under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act. Additionally, any scooter powered by a battery is prohibited from use on public roads. Inspector Hugh Niccolls, affiliated with Greater Glasgow’s road policing unit, expressed apprehension regarding the increasing prevalence of e-bikes that have undergone illegal modifications. He stated: “We often find that these vehicles have been modified, so they start off life as a pedal cycle and then they have an adaption kit put on to add an electric motor and electric battery to it,” adding, “That’s particularly dangerous as the bike itself isn’t designed for that and the brakes won’t be designed to stop that. They can generally go a lot faster than 15.5mph.” He further elaborated that law enforcement personnel frequently encounter three distinct categories of e-bikes: standard pedal bicycles that have been altered to include attached engines; electric bikes equipped with a throttle capable of attaining speeds up to 60mph; and vehicles lacking pedals, which are fundamentally motorbikes propelled by an electric engine. A total of 281 such bicycles were confiscated by officers from January through September. Inspector Niccolls noted that e-bikes produced within the UK typically include a caution indicating they are not intended for road use, whereas those manufactured internationally frequently lack such warnings, and non-compliance with these regulations could incur penalties. He stated: “If you’re stopped by us, then you will most likely be charged, and your bike will be seized by the police.” He continued, “It’ll also be extremely costly to get the bike back and you face going to court for any charges that there are as well.” He further mentioned that e-bikes present a significant hazard to vulnerable road users and individuals on foot. He commented: “We have had several incidents in Glasgow in the last year where pedestrians have been struck. They’re also a danger to the people riding them.” In 2022, Michelle Young, a 44-year-old resident of Partick, Glasgow, who is partially blind, was struck by a delivery driver operating an e-bike in Glasgow city centre. She recounted that she was in the process of crossing the street, having been signaled by a green pedestrian light, when the collision occurred. Speaking to BBC Scotland News, she recounted: “I was hit in the ribs and in the side by the handlebars of the bike. The dog was clipped by the pedal.” She added, “The rider carried on up the street, didn’t even stop, and shouted some fairly questionable language at me.” Bystanders assisted Ms. Young in pinpointing the delivery company and the direction of the rider’s travel, leading to a report being filed with Police Scotland. Subsequently, the individual was convicted following the collision. Although Michelle sustained only bruises from the incident, she has since had to work on restoring her confidence to venture outdoors again. She elaborated: “You can never just chill out and enjoy a nice, relaxing walk, because you’re always listening.” She further expressed, “I’m always thinking, are they going to see me? Are they going to avoid me? Or is this the day where I am going to end up in the path of one and not be able to do anything about it?” She concluded: “There’s the Highway Code, there are rules about cycling, and they’re there for a reason.” She urged, “If everyone could try to stick to those rules, then we would all be able to move through the world with grace and with peace.”