A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of a knife during a police operation targeting the illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorbikes in Cardiff. Officers seized numerous e-bikes and e-scooters in the Fairwater, Gabalfa, and Whitchurch areas of the city.
Details of the Operation
The operation was launched in response to ongoing community concerns about the behavior of riders in these areas. Alongside the vehicles, police also confiscated cannabis, cash, a mobile phone, and a knife as a result of stop-searches. The arrested teenager remains in custody.
Previous Enforcement in Swansea
This crackdown follows a similar operation in Swansea city centre, where police seized 29 illegal e-bikes during April and May. In most cases, riders were given verbal warnings as officers aimed to educate them about the law. PC Scott Pearson, from the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot team, stated: "These bikes have been seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act due to the riders not having a license or proof of insurance. The e-bikes are also not registered for use on UK roads."
Legal Requirements for E-Bikes and E-Scooters
South Wales Police is urging the public to understand the law before purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter. According to the force, electric scooters and unregistered e-motorbikes are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. This means they are subject to the same rules, including the need for a license and insurance.
Private vs. Rental E-Scooters
There are two ways to use an e-scooter: privately owning one or renting through an authorized scheme. It is currently illegal to use a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads or in public spaces such as parks, pavements, and shopping centres because insurance cannot be obtained for them. If caught, the vehicle can be seized under the Road Traffic Act for lack of insurance. Privately-owned e-scooters may only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.
Rental e-scooters are legal in some parts of the UK where trial schemes are running. They can be used on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces, but riders must follow road traffic laws or face prosecution. Requirements include holding a valid driving license, having insurance (provided by the rental company), and meeting the minimum age limit set by the rental provider.
Penalties for Offences
Breaching the rules can result in a fixed penalty notice, seizure of the vehicle, and potential disposal. Penalties vary by police force but may include:
- A £300 fine and six penalty points for no insurance.
- A £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct license.
Other offences include riding on the pavement (fixed penalty notice and possible £50 fine), using a mobile phone while riding (£200 and six penalty points), riding through red lights (fixed penalty notice, £100 fine, and possible penalty points), and drink-driving (same penalties as driving a car, including court fines, driving ban, and imprisonment).
Using an e-scooter or e-motorbike in an antisocial manner in public also risks seizure, as demonstrated in Cardiff.
