Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police have issued a joint warning regarding the purchase and use of e-scooters and electric bikes, particularly as Christmas gifts. The warning is part of 'Operation Transom', an initiative targeting the illegal and anti-social use of various nuisance vehicles across the city.
While e-scooters are legal to buy in the UK, their use is restricted to private land with landowner permission. Riding them on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or parks is illegal and can lead to fines, penalty points, and seizure of the vehicle.
Shoppers are also advised to ensure any electric bike purchased complies with UK regulations. Compliant e-bikes must have pedals, a motor with a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts, and assistance must stop at 15.5mph. Non-compliant bikes may be treated as motor vehicles with different legal requirements.
Safety concerns regarding the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters are also highlighted, as damaged, modified, poorly manufactured, or incorrectly charged batteries can pose a serious fire risk.
“"An e-scooter might be legal to buy, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal to ride it around your local streets or parks. If it’s used illegally, you could lose the vehicle as well as facing action yourself."
Councillor Duncan Walker emphasised the importance of understanding the rules before purchasing, stating, “We know e-bikes and e-scooters can look like an exciting Christmas present, particularly for young people, but we want people to understand exactly what they are buying before they spend their money.” He added that 'Operation Transom' aims to make communities safer by tackling illegally used vehicles.
“"Nuisance vehicles have been identified as one of the top concerns of local residents across Stoke-on-Trent, and we are actively working to take robust action against those who put other road users and pedestrians at risk by using them."
Sergeant Nathan Moghaddam of the Stoke-on-Trent north local policing team urged parents to be aware of the law, noting that nuisance vehicles are a top concern for residents. He stated, “I would urge parents to know and understand the law surrounding e-scooters before purchasing one, they cannot be used on public roads, pavements or public spaces and your child will risk having it seized from them.”
Residents can report nuisance vehicles by emailing operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk or calling 01782 233400. Emergency situations should be reported to 999. Anonymous reports can also be made via CrimeStoppers.
