28/08/2026
🚲 E-Scooters and E-Bikes... 🛴
We understand that buying an e-scooter and e-bike can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.
We would always advice you to do your research before buying any vehicle, as the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters could leave you out of pocket.
To be used legally on public roads and cycle lanes, e-bikes must be classified as an EAPC.
To be an EAPC an e-bike must:
• be fitted with pedals that can propel it
• have an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts
• cut off electrical assistance when it reaches 15.5 miles per hour (mph)
If your e-bike does not conform to the above, you need to treat it as a normal vehicle where it must be road-worthy, taxed, insured and driven by someone with a license.
The only place an e-scooter, or an e-bike that is not classed as an EAPC, can used is on private land with landowner's permission.
Why is this?
E-scooters, e-motorbikes and non EAPC e-bikes are classified as personal light electric vehicles (PLEV’s), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as: MOT, Licensing, Tax and Insurance.
What happens if I am stopped by police?
Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, allows the police to seize any motor vehicle being on a road which does not have the required documentation, which includes a driving licence for that class of vehicle. Once seized by the police can be disposed of in accordance with force policy. The rider will also be liable for prosecution which can result in a fine, points on a driving licence or both.
Section 59 of the police reform act allows police to seize a vehicle is being used in a manner which may cause alarm, distress or annoyance.
Seized vehicles may be disposed of by police, and the rider many also be liable for prosecution for traffic offences.
We are seeing ‘electric mini-dirt bikes’ being bought for children in the area. These types of bikes fall outside of the above EAPC regulations, so can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. Many adverts don’t make this clear, so please do your research before buying to avoid being left out of pocket for a vehicle you can’t use legally.
If you see anyone using a e-scooter, e-bike or e-motorbike illegally, please contact us by the following contact methods:
• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/FH1bB
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary page
• Phone – call us on 101
