Police Seize 19 Illegal E-Bikes and Scooters in Glasgow Blitz
Dozens of offences uncovered in crackdowns electric bikes and scooters flood city streets – with drug suspects, drink drivers and lawless riders all caught in the net
A police crackdown across Glasgow has seen nearly 20 e-bikes and e-scooters seized in just one day – as officers waged war on lawless two-wheelers tearing through the city.
On Wednesday, 21st May, officers from Greater Glasgow Division launched a hard-hitting operation targeting the illegal use of electric bikes and scooters – as concerns mount over rogue riders flouting the rules and putting lives at risk.
In a single day of action, police uncovered a shocking catalogue of offences:
19 e-bikes and scooters seized
9 fines handed out on the spot
33 traffic offences detected, including drink-driving, no insurance, no MOT, and using mobile phones at the wheel
10 other crimes uncovered, ranging from drug offences to breaching bail conditions
Police warned that heavily modified e-bikes capable of dangerous speeds are becoming a menace on Scotland’s streets – often lacking proper brakes and being ridden without a licence, insurance or regard for pedestrians.
A Police Scotland spokesperson: “We know that these vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but it is crucial that they are used safely and legally to protect all road users and pedestrians.”
Here is a summary of the results
19 E-Bikes/Scooters seized
9 Conditional Offers issued
33 Road Traffic Offences detected: This includes a range of offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol, no MOT, no insurance & using mobile phone whilst driving
10 Other Offences detected: Further illegal activity was identified and dealt with by our officers including offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and breach of bail conditions.
The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters poses significant risks to riders, pedestrians, and other road users. Modified vehicles can travel at dangerous speeds without adequate braking. We are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone and will continue to carry out enforcement and education to ensure compliance with road traffic laws.
The police spokesperson added: “The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters poses significant risks to riders, pedestrians, and other road users.
“Modified vehicles can travel at dangerous speeds without adequate braking. We are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone and will continue to carry out enforcement and education to ensure compliance with road traffic laws.”
And last month, a G Division’s Traffic Day of Action saw:
3 drivers caught using phones
7 red light runners (4 cyclists)
15 uninsured drivers
5 e-bikes & 1 e-scooter seized
Illegal e-bikes and scooters are a growing concern. Police are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy citywide.
In March, the Splash reported that police in Glasgow had seized dozens of e-bikes in a crackdown on illegal and dangerous riding, amid mounting calls for tougher regulations following a series of alarming incidents.
Officers carried out a Day of Action in December targeting electric bikes in the city centre, resulting in 24-e bikes being seized and 102 offences reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Some residents have described city-centre pavements in Argyle Street as "racetracks", with riders zooming along pedestrian precincts at breakneck speeds.
The rise of e-bikes has sparked safety fears across the city, with reports of near misses and reckless riding — particularly on pavements and pedestrian areas.
In one recent incident, an 18-year-old man was left in critical condition following an e-scooter crash in Castlemilk.
Last year, an 89-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike at the junction of Renfield Street and Sauchiehall Street, setting back her recovery from hip surgery..
Another woman carrying her child narrowly avoided being hit by a Deliveroo rider near Charing Cross, while a man was struck by an e-bike outside The Gushet in Shawlands.
Police stopped one e-bike delivery rider last year for cycling on the M8 motorway near Townhead — dangerously close to oncoming traffic.
Hillhead residents have also raised concerns about delivery riders speeding along Byres Road, describing the situation as “an accident waiting to happen.”
In an email to The Splash, a resident reported similar problems in Kelvingrove and Yorkhill.
She highlighted that many delivery riders wear dark clothing and fail to equip their bikes with lights, creating a significant hazard as daylight hours shorten in the winter.
“The issue has been raised with delivery companies, but they seem unwilling to take meaningful action,” she wrote.
“This highlights the urgent need for legislation, especially around insurance.”
She questioned whether delivery riders, if self-employed, have public liability insurance for accidents, adding: “And if they’re employees, are delivery companies providing sufficient coverage?”
Police Scotland ramped up patrols at the Govan to Partick footbridge in response to growing complaints about e-bikes and vandalism near the Riverside Museum.
Beyond safety concerns, e-bike battery fires have prompted debates in the House of Lords. As part of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, lawmakers are addressing the risks of lithium-ion batteries, which have caused a 46 per cent increase in fires between 2022 and 2023.
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff highlighted a tragic incident in Cambridge where a battery explosion claimed the lives of a mother, Gemma, and her two children in June 2023. Her partner remained in a coma for a month.
The debate has also drawn attention to online marketplaces that sell potentially dangerous e-bike conversion kits.
David Gow, 79, pictured above, died in February 2024 after being hit by an off-road motorbike in Glasgow’s Balmore Road
His son Craig and brother Allan Gow, an SNP councillor, are campaigning for stricter regulations on off-road vehicles, including mandatory registration to improve policing and safety.
They’re urging Glasgow City Council to work with both the Scottish and UK governments to address the issue.
Allan’s motion also includes e-bikes and e-scooters, which can be dangerously modified. Despite previous efforts for legal changes stalling, discussions continue with local MPs and the Scottish Government. The goal is to reduce the harm caused by dangerous vehicle misuse in both urban and rural areas.
Police acknowledge the severity of the issue but admit they are struggling to keep up.
“We know it’s a real problem,” a police spokesperson said. “We stop these riders and charge them with multiple offences — sometimes up to seven at a time. We seize their bikes, but within the hour, they’re back on another one, supplied by their delivery company.”
Many delivery companies lease e-bikes to riders, making it easier for offenders to quickly obtain replacement bikes with little oversight.
On busy days, officers have confiscated as many as 14 e-bikes, only to see the same riders back on the streets within half an hour.
“I wish I had a magic wand,” one officer said. “But with an endless supply of bikes, there’s only so much we can do.”
The growing backlash has led to calls for mandatory licensing and registration plates for e-bike riders.
And Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch recently met with Labour MSP Pauline McNeil to address the issue.
William Beckett, chairman of the group, highlighted the dangers of unregulated e-bikes.
He said: “Some of these modified bikes can reach speeds of 30mph.
“The batteries, especially the cheaper ones, are prone to malfunction and can even explode. It’s a major safety concern.”
Glasgow Labour MSP Pauline McNeill said: “My constituents in Garnethill have been raising this for a while due to accidents and near misses, especially at crossings near Sauchiehall Street.
“I believe there has to be a recognition that e-bikes need some regulation for public safety.”
Under current UK laws, e-bikes with a maximum motor output of 250 watts and a top speed of 15.5mph are treated like conventional bicycles and do not require insurance or registration.
However, illegally modified bikes or those exceeding these limits are classed as motor vehicles and must be licensed and insured.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Regulations on e-vehicles are reserved, so this would be for the UK Government.”
A UK Government spokesperson added: “There are strict laws in place for e-cycles, including a 15.5 miles-per-hour speed limit for electrical assistance. Anybody found breaking these rules will be prosecuted by the police.”