MPs win Commons debate against import and sale of illegal vehicles
A nationwide crackdown on the illegal use of electric scooters and bikes has been launched by Police Scotland after more than 1,000 vehicles were seized by police.
It came as Edinburgh South West Labour MP Scott Arthur secured a Commons debate as part of his campaign against the import and sale of illegal e-bikes.
The police move follows increasing concern about the use of e-scooters - which are illegal on all but private land in Scotland - and illegally modified e-bikes.
Both are limited to a top speed of 15.5mph where legal, but e-bikes that exceed that are widely used, including by food delivery riders in cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The week-long police operation, which started on Monday, will target vehicles which have been modified to exceed speed and power limits, which the force said could classify them under motorcycle legislation.
It seized by Police Scotland 373 e-bikes and 196 e-scooters last year - more than 60 per cent more than in 2024.
This year’s total up to last Friday was 561 e-bikes and 441 e-scooters.
The force said it would carry out “targeted activity” under Operation Overlap to remove such vehicles from the roads.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, its 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.”
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Police Scotland said e-bikes can legally be used on public roads if they meet specific requirements, including that the motor should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph and must have a maximum power output of 250 watts.
It said vehicles that exceeded those limits were classed as motor vehicles and were subject to the Road Traffic Act, which meant the rider must hold a full UK driving licence, have insurance, and wear an approved helmet.
The force said failure to comply with those legal requirements could face enforcement action under the Road Traffic Act.
It added: “E-scooters, however, are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other public spaces, as they do not meet the necessary legal standards. Their use is only legal on private land with the landowner's consent.”
Meantime, Dr Arthur and Carlisle MP Julie Mimms are to be allocated a date for their debate.
He said: “I regularly hear from constituents who are concerned about the dangers posed by illegally modified e-bikes and conversion kits.
“This is not simply an annoyance for residents. It is a serious public safety issue.”