Leicester’s city centre police team are clamping down on the use of e-scooters and illegal/modified e-bikes in pedestrian areas.
Op Pedalfast is Leicestershire Police’s city centre response to the use of illegal/modified e-scooters and e-bikes that do not conform to EPAC regulations.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
EPAC regulations state e-bikes must:
· have a motor with an output of less than 250 watts
· have a motor which is activated by the action of pedalling (not using a throttle)
· display information about the manufacturer of the vehicle, its battery, manufacturer maximum speed and maximum continuous rated power either via a securely fitted plate or be visibly and durably marked with the required details
If an e-bike does not conform to these regulations it is an electrically powered moped/motorcycle and therefore must be ridden in line with the same laws you would have to follow if you rode a petrol powered moped/motorcycle (i.e have a numberplate, rider must wear a helmet and have the appropriate licence etc).
Rules for e-scooters are they are only allowed to be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Since June 2023, there has been a dedicated policing operation running to engage with those using e-scooters and e-bikes. When found to be illegal (not conforming to EPAC regulations), riders are issued a warning. The warning is logged on force systems so that if riders are stopped a second time officers could initiate the next stage of the approach and seize the vehicle. Additional to the warning, vehicles are also secured with a large cable tie to prevent it being ridden.
As a result of Op Pedalfast, to date 152 warnings have been issued, 8 e-sooters and 5 e-mopeds seized by officers
In December 2024, a survey was carried out by officers in the city centre. 83% of those surveyed said that e-scooters remain an issue and 76% said e-bikes are still an issue.
These results have accelerated the next stage of Op Pedalfast which removes the initial warning and has moved to the direct seizure of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden in Leicester city centre.
Neighbourhood Policing Commander for Leicester City Centre, Inspector Ryan Ludlam, said: “As a result of these issues persisting, we have made the decision to seize illegal vehicles in the first instance without warning.
“The extent of the problem is demonstrated by the need to run a specific operation with officers assigned to focus wholly on this issue.
“Failing to stop for an officer in uniform who has asked you to do so while riding an e-scooter or e-bike is an offence.
“We are aware that there are a number of individuals who ride these vehicles in the city centre who are working for food delivery apps. Please be assured we, and partners, have made several attempts to contact the head offices of these organisations. We are also working with partners to engage with local businesses affected directly.
“Further results from Op Pedalfast activity will be shared on force channels.”
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “I very much welcome this new approach to tackling the nuisance of illegal e-bikes and electric scooters in our city centre.
“We know that e-bike riders going dangerously fast on pedestrianised streets can have a significant impact on people’s enjoyment of the city centre. By working closely with the police and other partners to tackle persistent issues like this, we can help ensure that the city centre is a safe and welcoming place that everyone can enjoy.
“We know that other cities are experiencing similar problems, but it’s unacceptable that the behaviour of a few individuals should spoil the city centre for the rest of us.
“That’s why I’m also now proposing to cover the city centre with a Public Spaces Protection Order and invest more resources into addressing these kinds of persistent nuisances.”
