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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 September 2026. It was answered by Justin Madders (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Electric Bicycles

Question

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.

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27175
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Enforcement Police Electric bicycles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk