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A strict measure against the problem of electric bicycles ande-scootershas been introduced following a series of events that made members of the public feel ‘fearful and intimidated’.
A fresh initiative introduced by Crimestoppers is encouraging people to inform authorities about cases involving the unsafe and unlawful use of off-road motorcycles, scooters,e-bikes and e-scooters.
It occurs at a time when increasing worries have emerged that these vehicles are posing a risk to the general public, as they are being operated in residential neighborhoods, on town center sidewalks, and in parks.
The charity mentions that it has received a large number of complaints from members of the public who have been harassed by cyclists.
Examples include a farmer from Dumfries who discovered his fields had been destroyed overnight, resulting in thousands of pounds in repair costs and higher security expenses, and an elderly woman inEdinburghwho nearly entered the path of a bus to prevent a bicycle from colliding with her on the sidewalk.
In February, the Whinhill Golf Club located in Greenock, Renfrewshire, suffered significant damage due to individuals using off-road bicycles on the fairways.
Angela Parker, the National Manager of Crimestoppers, stated: ‘We received numerous reports from individuals who felt frightened and intimidated due to the rising prevalence of illegal off-road motorcycles.’
This unlawful behavior also harms the environment and cultural heritage, requiring many years to restore and incurring thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Our initiative is designed to assist communities in anonymously reporting to our organization and offering guidance on locations where individuals can ride their bicycles safely and lawfully.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to provide details about who is using the bikes or describe the riders, along with information on where the bikes are being kept.
In December of last year, it was revealed that nearly 300 hazardous electric scooters and bikes were confiscated by law enforcement during the initial nine months of 2024, following an increase in unauthorized alterations.
Law enforcement officials took 281 vehicles off the roads following violations related to speed and power thresholds. In contrast, only 91 were confiscated during the preceding two years.
In Scottish law, electric scooters are permitted only on private property.
They must have a top speed of 15.5mph and a maximum power output of 250 watts. Electric bicycles, which are permitted on bike trails and public roads, must always include pedals, and the motor should not enable them to exceed 15.5mph.
The Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, stated: ‘I am happy to back this significant initiative. Operating off-road vehicles in unauthorized areas is hazardous, unpleasant, and can lead to substantial disturbance for local residents, along with harm to parks, sports fields, and the natural surroundings.’
Crimestoppers allows people to report criminal activities confidentially, and these reports assist the police in addressing such crimes. By working together, we can create a significant impact.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, head of Inverclyde Council, stated: ‘These bicycles are leading to significant harm and distress within our community, damaging both public and private property and making residents feel fearful and threatened, which is entirely unacceptable.’
Areas such as Grieve Road have been significantly impacted by the increase in off-road bikes, and the course at Whinhill Golf Club, which is owned by the council, has also suffered damage, resulting in costs for taxpayers to fix the fairways and greens, not to mention the disruption for golfers and staff.
Similar to most issues, the authorities require the public’s assistance in addressing this problem by reporting illegal and antisocial behavior. Crimestoppers offers a method for individuals to do so while remaining completely anonymous.
You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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