The organisation representing rank-and-file police officers has called for changes to the law to give officers more power to take action against e-bike riders who repeatedly break the rules.
Officers are said to be frustrated by the growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters across Scotland, where riders, often but not exclusively younger Scots, can be seen travelling at high speeds on pavements and footpaths, putting themselves and others at serious risk of injury.
Gran's injuries highlight the danger
The Record previously reported how Peggy Maxwell, 94, suffered horrific injuries after being struck by an electric motorbike. She was returning from a lunch date in May this year when she was involved in a collision with a Sur-Ron dirtbike in the Fife village of Lochore.
The fact she was not killed is described as a miracle, but others might not be so lucky.
Calls for new powers and tougher penalties
The police organisation wants the power to stop people wearing face coverings and order them to be removed. Many e-bikes are too powerful to qualify as an electrically-assisted pedal cycle and instead fall under laws for motorcycles, meaning they should require a licence and insurance.
However, enforcement is inconsistent at best, with riders often gone by the time a patrol car arrives following a call. Police already have powers to seize e-bikes, but there is a call for tougher sanctions against those who repeatedly break the rules, including lengthy driving bans or even jail time for anyone caught putting lives at risk.
