A reminder around the law for e-scooters and e-bikes

We are reminding members of the public of the laws around e-scooters and e-bikes as officers clamp down on their illegal use in our towns and cities this summer.

We are actively trying to reduce the antisocial behaviour caused in the community by the illegal use of e-scooters so you can expect to be stopped by an officer if you are spotted riding one.

While it is not illegal to buy an e-scooter, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas unless part of a legal e-scooter loan scheme.

There are no legal schemes in place in the counties covered by West Mercia Police, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, so across the force e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner.

E-scooters are currently classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) by the Government and fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles in terms of requiring insurance, tax, MOT, licence and registration.

There is no mechanism in place currently to obtain any of these for e-scooters so as this requirement can’t be met, their use in public areas is illegal, anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police.

For e-bikes, the law states that you can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, so long as it is an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC).

To be legally used on our roads, an e-bike must have: -

• Pedals that must be in motion for the motor assistance to be provided,
• The motor used must be of no more than 250 Watts (maximum continuous rated power)
• Electric assistance can only be provided to a maximum of 15.5mph
• The rider must be 14 years of age or over

EAPCs can be ridden anywhere a regular bicycle is permitted, including roads, cycle lanes, and bridleways, but cannot be ridden on pavements (unless that part of the pavement is specifically designated for cycling).

Modifying an electric bike and not adhering to the above laws can render it illegal for road use and may subject it to motorcycle or moped regulation.

Anyone found not adhering to these laws will be dealt with as appropriate.

You can find out more about the law around e-bikes here: Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .