New e-bike law as Lancs leads crackdown

New laws regulating e-bikes and e-scooters could be introduced by the Government amid growing concerns over their misuse, with Lancashire among the most active areas in the country for enforcement action.

Ministers have confirmed they intend to bring forward legislation covering micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters, when parliamentary time allows, while extending existing e-scooter trials until May 2028 to gather further evidence.

The move comes as Lancashire Constabulary continues a major crackdown on illegal and anti-social use of electric bikes and scooters.

Recent figures show Lancashire Police seized 415 illegal e-bikes during 2025/26, the fourth-highest total recorded by any force in England. Officers say nuisance vehicles and the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters remain among the top concerns raised by residents through the force’s Lancashire Talking surveys.

Police say some of the vehicles are ridden at high speeds through residential areas, on footpaths and in parks, and are frequently linked to wider anti-social behaviour and criminality.

As part of Operation Centurion, Lancashire’s county-wide anti-social behaviour initiative, officers have carried out a series of seizures across the county.

More than 1,100 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were confiscated during 2025.

During Transport questions in the House of Commons, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We have extended e-scooter trials until May 2028 to allow local authorities to test how the technology works.

“We have also committed to pursuing legislation, when parliamentary time allows, for the full regulation of micromobility… so they work for all people.”

Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith welcomed the announcement.

She said: “I am pleased to hear of the Government’s renewed commitment to bring in new laws to tackle e-bikes. I’ve had several constituents who have contacted me regarding this issue, and I know they will be glad to hear this news.”

The Department for Transport has already indicated it plans to consult on detailed proposals for regulating e-scooters and tackling anti-social use before introducing wider legislation.

Currently, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads unless they meet the same requirements as motor vehicles, including insurance and licensing rules.

The Government says future legislation is intended to create a clearer legal framework for the rapidly growing use of micromobility vehicles across the country.

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