Warning following thefts and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters

Cheshire Police is warning of the consequences of stealing and illegally riding e-bikes and e-scooters following an increase in thefts across the county.

In recent years there has been an increase in the popularity of owning electric vehicles, and during the past few months, police have seen a spike in thefts and robberies of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Officers are also seeing a rise in the illegal use of these vehicles in public places across Cheshire.

It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you're using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized. You can however use them on private land with the permission of the landowner.

However, if you own an e-bike, you can ride it if you’re aged 14 or over, and as long as it meets certain requirements and has not been modified in any way.

If you don't have the correct licence or are riding without insurance you could face a Fixed Penalty Notice, which could include:

• a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
• a £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence

You could also be committing an offence if you're caught: 

• riding on a pavement
• using a mobile phone or other handheld device while riding
• riding through red lights
• drink driving

If you're using an e-bike or e-scooter in a public space and in an antisocial manner, you also risk the vehicle being seized.

Detective Chief Inspector, Rob McLoughlin said:

“Should you be caught illegally using an e-vehicle, or stealing and selling them on, you will have a criminal record which will affect you in future.

“In recent months we have made a number of arrests and positive seizures of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally in Cheshire. Over the summer months, we will continue to patrol open spaces and provide a visible presence.

“Innocent people using e-bikes are often targeted and fall victim of theft by individuals who are intent to use them to assist their criminal activity. We understand how distressing it is to be a victim of this type of crime and the impact it can have. We are working hard to reduce this through targeted patrols.

“We would always encourage anyone who has an e-bike to take advantage of security measures such as the Bike Register, which is the UK’s national bike marking and registration scheme which aims to reduce cycle theft, identify stolen bikes and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners.”

How to keep your e-bike or e-scooter safe:

• Ensure when it is not in use you are using an appropriate lock and it is secured properly.
• When being stored at home, ensure it is in a secure place.
• Consider installing a video doorbell / camera and be vigilant for any markings on your house.
• Consider using a tracking device and display labels on your bike or scooter advising that a tracker is fitted.
• Get your bike or scooter security marked.

What to do if your e-bike or e-scooter is stolen:

If your bike or scooter has been stolen, contact police by calling 999 if a crime is taking place or report online.

Please report the crime as soon as you notice your bike or scooter has been stolen. Give police your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where you registered it. The sooner officers know, the sooner they can act.