Sussex Police Launches Operation To Tackle Illegal E-Bike And E-Scooter Use

Sussex Police has launched a dedicated operation targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters following a 53.7 per cent rise in reported incidents across the county.

Operation Scramble will see Neighbourhood Policing Teams work alongside Roads Policing and the Fatal Five Unit to educate riders, engage with communities and enforce the law.

Police received 2,504 reports of e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden illegally in the 12 months to June 2026.

That compares with 1,629 reports during the previous 12-month period.

More than half of the reports — 51.8 per cent — related to suspected drug activity, while 25.6 per cent concerned antisocial or dangerous riding.

Police say those figures are in addition to incidents dealt with by officers while on patrol.

Serious Injuries

There were also serious injuries recorded in collisions involving the vehicles.

Five people were seriously injured in e-scooter collisions during 2026, compared with 11 in 2025.

Three people have suffered serious injuries in e-bike collisions this year, compared with none in 2025.

Superintendent Jo Grantham, head of roads policing for Surrey and Sussex Police, said illegal use remained a problem and that the force was stepping up its response.

She said e-bikes and e-scooters were illegal to use in public unless they were part of an authorised rental scheme.

Police say education will form an important part of the operation, particularly given the age of many of the riders identified.

Just over half — 52.9 per cent — were aged 25 or under, while 35.5 per cent were teenagers or children.

Officers will work with schools, colleges, parents and carers to highlight the risks and legal requirements.

Potential Penalties

People caught illegally riding an e-bike or e-scooter could face fines and penalty points.

This can include:

• £300 and six penalty points for riding without insurance

• £100 and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence

• A fixed penalty and possible £50 fine for riding on a pavement

• £200 and six penalty points for using a mobile phone or handheld device while riding

• A fixed penalty, £100 fine and possible penalty points for riding through a red light

Drink-driving offences can also apply, with offenders potentially facing a fine, driving ban or imprisonment.

Police can also seize an e-scooter or e-motorbike being used antisocially under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said she had received concerns from residents about dangerous and antisocial riding in pedestrian areas and public spaces.

She said she supported Operation Scramble and urged people to continue reporting illegal or dangerous riding to police.