This is a real area of concern for us - Police speak out about major concern for festive season
Officers from the Northumbria Police have urged the public to familiarise themselves with the rules regarding e bikes and electric scooters this year.
Warnings have come after the Force seized 286 electric motorbikes, 132 electric scooters and 204 illegally adapted pedal cycles since 2024.
The force says this is not just about the legislation in place, as young people riding these vehicles could be at risk of serious harm and injury.
Collisions recorded between 2021 and 2025 involving e-motorbikes and e-scooters are up to 215 – with 21 riders under the age of 10, 51 between 11 and 16, and 46 between 17 and 24.
National guidance states that electric scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are therefore subject to the same rules, meaning riders are required to have a valid driving licence and insurance.
Those that are privately owned can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. They are illegal to use on public highways and you can’t get insurance to ride them on the roads.
Electric scooters are widely available through rental schemes across the country for use on public roads – with riders required to hold a provisional or full drivers licence to hire them.
Electric motorbikes, commonly referred to as e-motorbikes, require riders to have a full driving licence and insurance – however, they can’t be driven on public highways unless specifically road registered.
Chief Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police, said: “We know many people are starting to get into the festive spirit, and have started their Christmas shopping with Black Friday on the horizon.
“This is a real area of concern for us – as electric motorbikes and scooters remain an increasingly popular item showing up on wish lists for children and teenagers each year.
“So this week, we’re reminding everyone around the laws for each vehicle type, as well as the potential safety risks posed for the riders.
“We don’t want anyone to get hurt or caught out – especially those parents and carers who might be thinking of purchasing one for a child.”
Chief Inspector Hood added: “Many of these vehicles are subject to the same rules as any other motor vehicle, making it very difficult for them to be road legal in most circumstances.
“Some riders can even face police action in the same way any other driver might – for example, if caught under the influence of drink or drugs, driving carelessly or dangerously, or without the proper licence and insurance.
“It’s also lesser known that parents of younger children can be punished on their behalf by receiving driving convictions and fines or points.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping young people and our roads safe, and anyone found to be flouting the law could risk facing prosecution or having their vehicles seized.
“We’ll continue to work closely with our partners to take proactive steps to tackle this emerging issue.”