Authorities crack down on illegal e-scooter and e-bike use

Authorities in the United Kingdom and the United States are increasing scrutiny of electric micro-mobility devices following a rise in accidents involving young riders.

In Somerset, UK, Avon and Somerset Police issued a warning to parents after a 16-year-old boy was killed in a crash believed to involve an electric motorcycle. Police noted a significant increase in the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements, and parks. Under current UK law, privately owned e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles and require registration, insurance, and a valid driving licence, meaning they can only be legally used on private land. The police recently seized and scheduled 30 illegal scooters for destruction.

In the United States, officials are addressing a surge in e-bike and e-moped usage among teenagers. Data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that e-bikes were responsible for over 155,000 emergency room visits and more than 300 deaths between 2017 and 2024. In California, injuries from e-bike collisions rose from two in 2020 to 1,566 in 2024. In response, various jurisdictions are implementing new restrictions, such as New Jersey’s ban on riders under age 15 and local buyback programs.