Parliament must enforce point-of-sale restrictions on the purchase of e-bikes and introduce age limits, writes Record View. The call follows the case of Peggy Maxwell, a 94-year-old pensioner who was run over by an e-bike in a hit-and-run incident. She is determined to change the law on electric motorbikes and has the backing of her MP Richard Baker.
Green option turned nightmare
What was pitched as a green transport option has turned into a nightmare in towns and housing estates in Scotland. High-powered electric bikes are frequently modified to hit motor vehicle speeds but are often used with no training, insurance or licence.
This situation has led to an explosion of e-bike gangs roaming around without a care for their own safety or that of the pedestrians they crash into. Police are often unable to chase them – and the youngsters are well aware.
Heavy, silent machines
These are not harmless teenagers on pushbikes. They are riding heavy, silent machines capable of speeds over 50mph. Beyond local anti-social behaviour, they have become the preferred transport for county lines drug-running and street robbery, offering escape for criminals.
Current legislation on e-bikes and electric motorbikes is not working. That is why Peggy's plea, backed by her MSP Richard Baker, needs to be heeded.
Policy overhaul demanded
An aggressive policy overhaul is needed. Parliament must enforce point-of-sale restrictions on the purchase of e-bikes and introduce age limits. There must be a mandatory e-bikes registration scheme. Police Scotland must gain enhanced powers and dedicated pursuit resources to intercept and confiscate non-compliant bikes on the spot.
Legitimate commuters and eco-conscious cyclists have nothing to fear. Regulation is not an attack on sustainable travel. It is a long-overdue measure to support safe communities. Too many housing estates have been transformed into unregulated racetracks for criminal gangs. That has to end now – for Peggy's sake and that of every victim of the e-bike free-for-all.
