North East MPs are urging the Government to tighten regulation of e-bikes following the death of an 86-year-old great-grandmother in Sunderland. Gloria Stephenson was killed after being hit by a teenager riding an illegal e-bike while she crossed a zebra crossing with her dog.
Her daughter, Julie Francis, was in Parliament on Wednesday as MPs debated the dangers of illegal off-road bikes. The debate was led by Darlington MP Lola McEvoy, who called for a ban on the sale of e-bikes and greater powers for police to deal with them.
Family seeks justice after fatal crash
Billy Stokoe was 18 when he overtook a stationary car on Burdon Road last May and struck Mrs Stephenson on the crossing. Despite efforts from motorists and members of the public, she died at the scene.
Ms McEvoy said: “Julie is as determined as I am to get more resources, and to get justice for Gloria, herself and the family.” She also described attending a crushing of 70 seized vehicles, saying: “It is not enough to confiscate them. The public do not want to see them. They do not want them on the streets. We need to prohibit their sale, impose consequences for those selling them and strengthen community powers to ban them from areas.”
Health and police impact highlighted
Newcastle Central and West MP Dame Chi Onwurah backed the calls, revealing that the Royal Victoria Infirmary had seen a 36% rise in open leg fractures over the last three years due to increased e-bike use. “There is a cost to young lives and to the NHS,” she said.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones responded for the Government, thanking Julie Francis for meeting with her. She described an “emerging nasty problem with off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters” seen across the country. The Minister said: “It was a privilege to meet my hon. Friend and her constituent to talk about the awful death of her mother. It was an impactful experience that made me think about the need for us to act and do more.”
Ms Jones said she had set up meetings with MPs to consider changes, including encouraging police to seize more vehicles and training more officers to intercept problem e-bikes. Seizures have risen by 83% in the last year, with 7,049 machines confiscated across the UK in the 12 months to May 19, compared with 3,858 the previous year.
Legal limits and recent case
Under UK law, legal e-bikes, known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), must have a motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts and cut out at 15.5mph.
Last month, Michael Hill, a disqualified driver without insurance, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after hitting a seven-year-old boy in Middlesbrough, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. Hill warned others not to ride the machines, saying “they’re a weapon”.
