Officers call for more powers to tackle menace of e-bikes

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said officers have only “limited powers” to take action, and has called for a strengthening of the law.

That includes the power to stop people wearing face coverings and order them to be removed.

According to 1919 Magazine, the number of e-bikes and e-scooters seized by Police Scotland has risen by more than 60 per cent in a year.

As of October 16, the force had confiscated more than 1,000 of these vehicles in 2026 – 561 e-bikes and 441 e-scooters.

The previous year 373 e-bikes and 196 e-scooters were seized.

David Threadgold, chair of the SPF, said: “The increased anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters has been a real concern for communities in Scotland and a real challenge for the police to deal with.

“The number of options the police have to deal with people who are riding these types of vehicles dangerously is extremely limited.”

He said police need the power to stop and require people wearing face coverings to remove them, adding: “The risk presented to the public and to police officers trying to stop it means we have to deal with this very quickly.”

The SPF also echoed warnings from Inverclyde Community Safety Partnership, which has urged parents in the area to reconsider e-bikes as Christmas gifts for their children.

The body urged families to “fully understand the legal position, safety risks and potential liabilities associated with e-scooters and electric bikes before making any purchase decision”.

It comes as Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee announced it is carrying out an inquiry into crime and anti-social behaviour associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.

Many e-bikes are too powerful to qualify as an electrically-assisted pedal cycle and instead fall under laws for motorcycles and mopeds, requiring a licence and insurance.

Various campaigns have taken place across the country, including Operation Armour in Aberdeen, resulting in e-bikes being seized and dozens of people charged.

Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr told 1919 Magazine: “As we’ve seen in Aberdeen the police can have success with dedicated operations and resources.

“We need to see this now on a wider scale and replicated across the country.

“This is an emerging problem which creates misery for communities, and we need to give police what they need to get on top of it.

“I hope both the UK and Scottish governments can work together to do just that.”