New operation launched to disrupt illegal e-bike and e-scooter use

Sussex Police has launched a new operation dedicated to tackling the illegal use of e-bike and e-scooters.

This is not only in response to ongoing community concerns, but also following an increase in reported incidents in the county.

Officers from the force’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, working together with the Roads Policing Unit and Fatal Five Unit, will provide education, engagement and enforcement to crackdown on the issue as part of Operation Scramble.

In the 12 months to June 2026, Sussex Police received a total of 2,504 reports of e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden illegally. This is an increase of 53.7 per cent from the 1,629 reports received the previous 12 months.

Of these, 25.6 per cent relate to antisocial or dangerous riding, and 51.8 per cent relate to suspected drug activity.

These reports are in addition to incidents responded to by officers out on patrol.

Superintendent Jo Grantham, head of roads policing for Surrey Police and Sussex Police, said: “The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to be a problem in Sussex, and this is reflected by the number of calls and intelligence reports we have received from the public.

“The vast majority of these reports are related to criminal activity, which is a concern we are continually seeking to address. However, irrespective of the circumstances, the bottom line is these vehicles remain illegal to use in public – unless through an authorised rental scheme – and they pose a significant risk to all road users.

“We are running this dedicated operation to step up our response to this issue, and our teams will continue to respond to illegal usage of e-vehicle 365 days a year.”

Five people were seriously injured in collisions involving an e-scooter in 2026, compared to 11 in 2025. Three people were seriously injured in collisions involving an e-bike in 2026, compared to none in 2025.

Supt Grantham added: “Dangerous, careless or antisocial driving or riding is one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads, and the stark reality is these casualties are preventable.

“Where we have been able to identify riders, just over half (52.9 per cent) were aged 25 or below. Just over a third (35.5 per cent) were teenagers or children. This is a real concern for us, and it emphasises our message that while we will absolutely look to enforce legislation where necessary, it all starts with education and engagement.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to work with the local community including schools, colleges, parents and carers to educate young people on the significant risks associated with riding e-bikes and e-scooters.

“We would urge the public to familiarise themselves with legislation before they commit to purchasing or riding one of these vehicles.”

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner said: "I've heard from many residents across Sussex who are fed up with the dangerous and antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Time and again, people tell me they are concerned about riders speeding through pedestrian areas, putting people and other road users at risk and, in some cases, using these vehicles to facilitate criminal activity.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, town centres and public spaces. I have been clear with Sussex Police that enough is enough. This operation shows they are listening and taking robust action to keep our communities safe."

"I also hope that anyone, especially our young people, using e-bikes and e-scooters illegally understand the very real risks involved. These vehicles can cause serious injury, not only to the rider but also to other members of the public. Choosing to ride illegally could also have serious consequences for their future, including contact with the criminal justice system before a young person is even old enough to drive.

"I fully support Operation Scramble and the proactive action Sussex Police is taking to tackle this growing issue. The significant increase in reports shows just how much of a concern this has become for local people.

“I would encourage anyone witnessing illegal or dangerous riding to continue reporting it to Sussex Police. Public information and intelligence is vital in helping officers identify offenders so they can then take action and I will continue to ensure residents' concerns are heard at the highest levels of policing.”

Anyone caught illegally riding an e-bike or e-scooter could face:

• a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
• a £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence

You could also be committing an offence if you're caught:

• riding on a pavement: fixed penalty notice and possible £50 fine
• using a mobile phone or other handheld mobile device while riding: £200 and six penalty points
• riding through red lights: fixed penalty notice, £100 fine and possible penalty points
• drink driving: the same as if you were driving a car, you could face court imposed fines, a driving ban and possible imprisonment

If you're using an e-scooter/e-motorbike in public in an antisocial manner, you can also risk the e-scooter/e-motorbike being seized under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

Find out more here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/

Here are the number of vehicle seizures so far in 2026: