Riders have been warned that illegal electric bikes and scooters will be seized by police next week as part of a major crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The operation by Wiltshire Police will begin on August 1 and will see the electric-powered vehicles confiscated if they are found to be committing road offences.
The new enforcement comes after police found growing concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters being used for criminal purposes across the county.
Operation Jetsom will aim to tackle the problem through two phases, targeting the illegal use of vehicles and taking them off the streets.
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From August 1, police will be able to seize the electric vehicles immediately from riders
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Before the enforcement, Wiltshire Police will be running an educational and awareness campaign explaining the law around privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes.
This will involve stopping riders and explaining the law, as well as raising awareness through social media campaigns to help better inform riders.
From August 1, anyone who is stopped by the police and found to be using the vehicles illegally through speed modifications can expect them to be seized and destroyed.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “We’re seeing a growing number of incidents where e-bikes and e-scooters are being used irresponsibly or even for criminal activity, and that cannot be ignored.”
He explained that the targeted response is about sending a clear message that “if you’re using these vehicles illegally or dangerously, you will be stopped, your vehicle may be seized, and you could face prosecution”.
Wilkinson added: “At the same time, we recognise that many people simply aren’t aware of the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters.
“That’s why education is a key part of our approach – helping people understand the legal requirements and the potential risks involved.
“Our priority is public safety and while we want to support the responsible use of these vehicles, we won’t tolerate behaviour that puts others at risk or contributes towards crime on our streets.”
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Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders shared that the new measures also aim to remove e-bikes and e-scooters from roads, which have been ridden dangerously on roads and pavements.
“We’re also aware of the link between e-bikes, which have often been illegally modified and can reach speeds of more than 40mph, and youth violence across the country,” Saunders stated.
Under current laws, e-scooters are illegal outside designated trial areas. Since Wiltshire does not operate a trial, the vehicles are only allowed on private property.
E-bikes in the UK face different rules from e-scooters and can be ridden on UK roads provided they meet certain criteria.
This includes having pedals which must be engaged to propel it, with the motor having a maximum output of 250 watts and speed capped at 15.5mph.
For bikes that exceed the speed limit, they are treated as vehicles and require a licence, MOT, tax and insurance to be ridden legally.
Saunders shared: “We also know there is confusion about the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters, which is why we are running an awareness phase first to educate both riders and buyers of the vehicles, such as parents, about the law surrounding them.
“From August 1, if you’re seen on one by officers, expect to be stopped and have it seized – and as they are uninsurable, you won’t be able to get it back.”