As e-bikes are classed as motor vehicles under UK law, riders must have a driving licence and insurance

Staffordshire Police have seized an uninsured e-bike following reports of anti-social behaviour on Woodhouses Lane in Burntwood.

The action comes after officers received reports of an e-bike being ridden in an anti-social manner on Wednesday, July 8.

Inspector Melissa Byrne, of the Lichfield Local Policing Team, said officers are continuing to tackle concerns surrounding the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters.

She said: "We know that e-bikes and e-scooters are a big concern for people locally, especially when they are used in an anti-social manner.

"I want to be clear that we are actively carrying out enquiries and gathering intelligence to act against those responsible for these offences.

"Officers in the local policing team will look to seize any e-bikes or e-scooters that are uninsured, being ridden without a licence or being used to engage in anti-social behaviour."

Residents concerned about the misuse of e-bikes or e-scooters in their area are encouraged to report incidents by calling 101 or using the Staffordshire Police’s Live Chat service.

What are the rules on e-bikes and e-scooters?

Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) can be ridden legally if they have working pedals, a motor with a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts, and only provide electric assistance up to 15.5mph (25km/h).

Privately owned e-scooters, however, remain illegal to ride on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes in the UK.

As they are classed as motor vehicles under UK law, riders must have a driving licence and insurance. Because insurance is not available for privately owned e-scooters, anyone using one in public is automatically committing the offence of driving without insurance.

Those caught riding an illegal e-scooter could face seizure of the vehicle, an unlimited fine if convicted in court, six penalty points on their licence and a possible driving ban. Riders without a driving licence can still receive penalty points through a DVLA 'ghost licence', which will apply when they later obtain a full licence.

The only e-scooters currently permitted on public roads are government-approved rental models operating as part of official trial schemes.