Parents urged to check e-bike laws before Christmas buying
Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin has joined North Wales Police in warning parents to check the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters before buying them as Christmas gifts.
The reminder comes as e-scooters and e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, particularly among young people.
While overall bicycle sales in the UK have fallen, e-bike sales have risen in the past two years and are expected to grow by over five per cent between 2024 and 2025, according to data company Statista.
However, the increase in use has also brought a rise in collisions, injuries and deaths involving young riders.
PCC Dunbobbin recently visited a North Denbighshire site where seized e-bikes and e-scooters are stored, alongside Detective Inspector Tim Evans from the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, to discuss the risks and enforcement issues linked to their misuse.
Under the law, e-scooters are classed as powered transporters and are defined as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Riders therefore require a licence, insurance and tax, but as insurance is currently unavailable, it is illegal to use them on roads, pavements, parks and other public places in Wales.
DI Tim Evans said parents should be aware that anyone caught riding an e-scooter in a public place could face a fine of up to £300, six penalty points on their licence and the scooter being seized.
He added that e-bikes, or Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs), can be used legally if they meet certain technical standards and are ridden by people aged 14 or over. EAPCs may be used on cycle paths and anywhere conventional bicycles are permitted.
To qualify as an EAPC, the bike must have pedals, a motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts, and must not assist the rider beyond 15.5mph. Bikes with a throttle can only propel the rider up to 3.7mph without pedalling.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “Nobody wants to be a Grinch at Christmas and deny our young people presents they have been longing for, and it’s important to note that many people use these e-bikes and e-scooters correctly. But it’s also crucial parents and guardians are aware of the rules before making a big purchase on an e-scooter or e-bike for Christmas that the young person might not be old enough, or legally allowed, to use on a public road or pavement.
“There have been several cases where young people have died after collisions caused by riding e-bikes and e-scooters, and everywhere I go in North Wales people tell me of antisocial behaviour caused by the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters. This is something I am determined to deal with alongside North Wales Police as part of my plan to reduce crime in North Wales.
“So, while parents may feel under pressure to buy e-scooters and e-bikes in the lead up to Christmas, it’s important they know the rules around their use. I am grateful to DI Tim Evans and his colleagues for their hard work to inform the public around the correct use of e-bikes and e-scooters and their determination to keep residents, riders and road users safe and secure during the festive season and throughout the year.”
DI Tim Evans added: “The main message is don’t buy or ask for an e-scooter as they are illegal to use other than on private land, with the permission of the landowner. EAPCs bring societal benefits when conforming to the regulations. However, from a road safety perspective please consider the personal risk to riders and/or conflict with other road users before purchasing for your loved ones.”
More information on e-bike and e-scooter rules can be found at:
E-scooter guidance
E-bike guidance
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