Northamptonshire crackdown plans as illegal e-scooter and e-bike riders targeted from the air
Methods perfected in a police operation to crackdown on riders of illegal e-scooters and e-bikes will be replicated across the county including air support and pursuits.
Officers policing streets in Northampton, trying to stamp out anti-social behaviour associated with the two-wheeled e-vehicles, used spotters from aircraft to help guide police pursuits on the ground.
In Corby, a two-phase ‘Operation Tides’ will see all the town’s secondary school pupils take part in an educational programme – sparked by the tragic death of student Ella Walden – followed by enforcement action in June.
Plans could see the ‘eye in the sky’ approach brought to Kettering, Rushden and Wellingborough.
A spokesman for Northants Police said: “There are plans to replicate this operation across the county following the successes we have seen and it is anticipated that air support will form part of our tactical advice in running these operations.
“Our primary method for stopping and engaging scooters is similar to any traffic stop. In some cases during this operation, we were engaged in pursuits with subjects and tactical contact was made to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion.”
Residents in towns including Rushden, Kettering and Wellingborough have been reporting youths on Sur-ron-style e-bikes, often wearing balaclavas and riding on pavements at speed.
An operation led by Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads Team and assisted by the National Police Air Service saw 140 e-scooters and e-bikes ridden by suspected criminals taken off the streets of Northampton.
Chief Inspector Johnny Davis-Lyons said: “Crime associated with e-bikes and e-scooters is an issue often raised not only to our neighbourhood policing teams but also to our chief constable and it’s important that communities can see that their voices are being heard.
“I am really pleased with the results of Operation Journey and I hope they demonstrate how seriously we take those concerns as well as our commitment to keeping Northampton’s streets safe for everyone.
“This operation not only focused on the anti-social behaviour associated with these vehicles but also reports of serious crime including possession of knives and domestic abuse.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the National Police Air Service for their assistance during this operation. To have the plane in the sky made tracking these individuals so much easier and contributed to the large number of seizures we made over the five days.”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector in Corby Matt Rock said: “In recent months, we have received several reports from members of the local community concerned about young people riding e-scooters and e-bikes in the town.
“Of particular concern is the use of high‑powered or modified e‑bikes that exceed legal limits and privately‑owned e‑scooters, which are not permitted for use on public roads or pavements.
“We know many young people see e-scooters and e-bikes as a convenient way to get around, but many are unaware of the laws and the very real risks involved.
“Our priority through Operation Tides is to educate and engage first, working with schools and parents to make sure children understand how to stay safe and what is legal. We urge parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of riding illegal e-scooters and e-bikes.
“From June, we will take firm action against illegal use, so please don’t be one of the people we seize a vehicle from.
“Our aim is always to prevent serious injuries and keep Corby’s roads and pavements safe for everyone and we’re hoping that this operation will do just that.”
Rules around e-bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance.
There are two ways of using an e-scooter:
- by privately owning one
- by renting one through an authorised rental scheme
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements and shopping centres. If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance.
You can rent e-scooters via e-scooter company Voi in Northamptonshire but only if you are aged 18+ and hold a valid full or provisional driving licence.
In the UK, you must be at least 14 years old to legally ride an e-bike. The e-bike must have a maximum motor power of 250W and a top assisted speed of 15.5 mph.