E-bike crackdown – how you can help
Police cracking down on e-bike and e-scooter use have called upon the public to help their campaign.
The push to tackle illegal and anti-social use of the machines follows feedback from communities across the county and a surge in the reports to police about the issues.
“The facts are that people riding these bikes and scooters in such a manner, through riding on pavements, not wearing helmets and travelling at high speed, present a clear and present danger to themselves and other road users – and we want to stop it,” said a police spokesperson.
Inspector Jason Baxter heads the Roads Policing Unit in Lincolnshire and added: “We’re looking to our communities to work with us to prevent the anti-social behaviour that is being experienced within our towns and cities.
If somebody you know or love is riding one of these bikes illegally in an anti-social or dangerous manner, I’d urge you to speak with them about the consequences of their actions and the danger they’re putting themselves and others in, as well as the potential penalties they face such as fines, penalty points and losing the bike should we seize it.
Please call our control room on 101 or 999 if a rider is causing an immediate danger to the public or report online if there is no longer any imminent danger. Make a note of the dates, times, locations, the descriptions of the bikes, any clothing the riders are wearing. We’d be keen to view any CCTV or recorded footage of the bikes and to know any addresses the bikes are being stored at or visiting.”
The Law
An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC). An EAPC can legally be ridden on a road or cycle path by any person above the age of 14 as long as the bike is in possession of pedals and is not able to exceed 15.5mph.
The EAPC must also have approved markings to identify the power and manufacturer. This type of e-bike is completely legal and popular for getting around, but if a machine does meet these requirements it is legally considered to be a motorcycle or moped and needs lights, indicators, registration plate, vehicle tax and a valid MOT. The rider must also have appropriate license (or CBT) and insurance for the vehicle.
E-scooters also require appropriate insurance to be ridden on a public road; however, it is not currently possible to obtain this insurance on privately owned e-scooters within Lincolnshire.
If stopped riding an e-bike or an e-scooter in a public place by a police officer, the machine will be seized, and the rider will be liable for the recovery and storage fees. There will be no way for the rider to get the e-bike or scooter back after it has been seized.