A licensing scheme for controversial e-bikes and e-scooters is being considered amid concerns over a correlated rise in crime and disorder.
As vehicle licensing and regulations are controlled by the UK Government, Scottish ministers are coordinating with UK officials on potential new laws and stronger police powers.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray and Holyrood committee members are discussing potential tracking and licensing controls to address dangerous, modified “souped-up” e-bikes linked to anti-social behaviour.
Neil Gray has been particularly vocal on the issue and believes the vehicles pose a serious risk to public safety. He wants to make it easier for police to track and detain offenders and plans to work with the UK Government to “get a grip on the issue”.
Deputy convenor of the Criminal Justice Committee, David Linden, told the minister that MSPs were “increasingly” receiving complaints about young men dressed head to toe in black, sometimes wearing face coverings, “zooming around on souped-up e-bikes and e-scooters”.
The MSP said that as well as being “highly dangerous”, they have been linked to drugs and organised crime.
Mr Gray has received complaints about the vehicles in his Airdrie constituency and thinks “more could and should be done” around the licensing of these vehicles to aid officers in tracking and detaining individuals.
The Justice Secretary said: “There is a cross-section across football hooliganism, violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, and organised criminal gang activity that I think we have much more work to do to support what is a minority of young boys, but it is certainly an issue that we’re facing with young boys.”
He said he was now working with police to look at the powers they need to deter this type of behaviour.
Last month officers from Cambuslang Community Policing Team carried out a targeted operation in Rutherglen in response to recent reports of youth disorder. During the operation, officers stopped an electric bike and engaged with several young people in relation to incidents of anti-social behaviour within the community. Reports will be submitted to the Scottish Children’s Reporter.
Sergeant Mackie said: “We recognise the concerns that the misuse of electric bikes and e-scooters can cause within our communities. Non-compliant electric bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on public roads and pavements can present a significant risk to pedestrians and other road users.
“Our priority is to reduce that risk, address anti-social behaviour and take appropriate enforcement action. Where vehicles are being used illegally, officers have powers available to them which can include seizure of the vehicle.”
Current UK e-bike rules state that standard e-bikes qualify as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) and do not require a licence, registration, tax or insurance.
The motor must have a maximum power of 250W, assist only up to 15.5mph, and require pedalling to engage the motor. Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride an EAPC on public roads. E-bikes exceeding these specifications are legally classified as motor vehicles or mopeds, requiring registration with the DVLA, a driving licence, tax, and insurance.
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.