MP calls for tougher laws to tackle illegal e-bikes

An MP has called for tougher legislation against the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Helen Maguire, who represents Epsom and Ewell, said the issue had been a "challenge" for her constituency, with residents reporting "deep concerns".

She said: "There is no national strategy for tackling illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters, and police are having to rely on laws not designed for the problem."

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: "Modified e-bikes that exceed legal power or speed limits are effectively motorbikes and should not be on the roads unless they are registered, taxed and insured."

Maguire said: "One parent said their child was almost knocked down by an e-scooter speeding through a park on the way home from school.

"Another said the issue had become so serious they had considered moving out of the borough."

The Liberal Democrat MP said she was pushing for a government consultation by the end of the year to pave way for "clearer legislation" that would properly regulate the sale, modification and use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Surrey Police recently launched Operation Scramble to target "reckless, antisocial and illegal riders".

It said the crackdown would see roads policing officers and neighbourhood teams carrying out patrols across the county.

From next month, all illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized by the force will be sent for destruction.

Karen Coyne, ch insp for roads and policing for Surrey and Sussex, said: "Epsom and Ewell had recorded the highest number of crime and anti-social behaviour complaints linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.

"In the last six months, we've received about 1,700 reports involving illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Many offenders were under 25."

Coyne said officers regularly saw people riding the vehicles dangerously in parks, on roads and through alleyways, and said they were increasingly linked to drug dealing and vehicle theft.

According to the DfT, an e-bike that meets the definition of an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) can be used as a pedal cycle, provided the rider is aged 14 or over.

To qualify as an EAPC, the bike must have a maximum powered speed of 15.5mph and a motor with a maximum power output of 250W.

It says the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has strengthened police powers to seize vehicles that are used anti-socially.

This includes illegally modified e-bikes and removing the requirement to issue a warning before seizure.

The DfT spokesperson added: "We've given police stronger powers to seize vehicles without needing to issue a warning, and we are cracking down on unsafe products sold online."

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