More than 1,000 e-bikes and e-scooters seized this year as police launch week of targeted action

More than 1,000 e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized across Scotland so far this year, with police set to carry out a week of targeted activity to crackdown on illegal use.

Officers say the vehicles are becoming more common in towns and cities, with most being used appropriately and in line with legal guidelines.

Some, however, are modified to exceed speed and power limits, which can reclassify them under motorcycle legislation.

Police Scotland said it has also received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour involving the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters.

In 2025, the force seized 373 e-bikes and 196 e-scooters – an increase of 60% on the previous year.

More than 1,000 vehicles have been removed by police so far in 2026.

‘Growing concerns’ over e-bike misuse

From Monday, officers from road policing and local divisions will be carrying out targeted activity across the country under Operation Overlap.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing, said: “We know from reports made to us that concern about the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters is a growing issue across Scotland.

“We want to be clear that illegally modified e-bikes are dangerous and not suitable for the public road. They pose a risk to their own riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians.

“This week of activity will focus on removing these vehicles from the roads and I want to be clear that anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will faces the risk of having it seized by officers and destroyed.

“We also want to make sure that people are aware of the legislation and their personal responsibilities if using an e-bike or e-scooter.

“Please be mindful of where you can and can’t use vehicles of this type and take responsibility for your own actions and the safety of other road users.”

While e-bikes can legally be used on public roads, they must meet specific requirements and must not be able to propel the bike when travelling at more than 15.5mph.

They must also have a maximum power output of 250 watts.

E-scooters are not permitted on public roads and pavements and can only be used on private land with the owner’s consent.