PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(3 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support the police in identifying, seizing and prosecuting the use of non-compliant e-bikes on public roads.

Asked by:
Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat)

The Department’s advice for consumers is clear that e-bikes that do not comply with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 are classed as motor vehicles and must be registered, taxed and insured to be legally used on the roads.

The police have existing powers to seize these e-bikes, where they have not been properly registered as motor vehicles, under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

In addition, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 strengthened police powers so that they will no longer be required to provide a warning before seizing any vehicle where it is used anti-socially. This includes faster and more powerful e-bikes that have been properly registered as motor vehicles.

Answered by:
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