Dear resident,

In relation to E Bikes and Scooters; please see the below useful information for your awareness.

E- scooters are in essence toys that cannot exceed 15.5 mph, if they are used on a road, the rider needs a dirving licence, insurance and a registration plate on the vehicle.

eAPC - Electrically assisted pedal cycle - these must have pedals, not faster than 15.5 mph, they can have more than 2 wheels but cannot have a tiwst grip. eAPC's cannot exceed 250W and must show either manufacturer details or power output, voltage or max speed. if the above doesn't apply then the rider requires a licence, insurance and registration plate.

eMotorcycles - 

Cat B - eScooters and eMopeds but cannot exceed 28mph.

Car A - (i.e. Sur-Ron bikes) can exceed 28mph but the rider must be 17+ and have a CBT or full licence and the road traffic act applies to vehicles in this category.

Authorisation for riding any of the above vehicles or sterotypical dirt bike / quad bike / off road bike this activity can only be granted if the landowner provides permission. The landowner must also take measures to secure the park with fencing to prevent public access otherwise insurance is required like any other Motor Vehicle would have. 

If these precautions are not implemented and an incident occurs, such as a collision with a child for example , it would be classified as a Road Traffic Collision (RTC). Since E-scooters and certain E-bikes are considered Motor Vehicles – (mechanically propelled vehicles), the rider could face legal consequences under the road traffic act.

As such, when used on a road  they are required to have Insurance, be registered with DVLA, be taxed and must conform to construction and use regulations. It is not possible to insure and tax an E-scooters making them illegal for use on a road or pathways (unless on a recognised scheme some Cities have in place)  

A road  is defined as any highway and therefore includes foot paths, pavements, cycle paths, bridleways and tow paths.  The park will be defined as such as the public has access to the pathways. 

“Do you know anyone in your community driving stolen or illegal e-bikes? By telling us who is handling these bikes we can take positive action and prevent further people falling victim to this type of criminality.”

Please let us know using crimestoppers - Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

or GMP live chat via https://www.gmp.police.uk/ 

Thank You

Sergeant Dunne

Operation Vulcan

GMP