Cycling Scotland Chief Executive cites tackling illegal use of 'supercharged' e-motorbikes as a road safety priority
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The illegal use of electric off-road motorbikes and modified e-bikes fitted with throttles that effectively convert them into mopeds or motorbikes has become a road safety priority, according to Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving, who says concerns have been repeatedly raised in the Scottish Parliament since last month's election and that the gig economy is helping to drive the problem.
Writing for news publication The Scotsman, Irving said illegally modified machines capable of motorcycle-level performance are creating serious risks for riders and the public, while stressing the need to distinguish them from legal electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs).
Irving also highlighted the cycling industry's E-Bike Positive campaign, which promotes buying e-bikes from reputable retailers that only supply and repair compliant products using approved batteries, chargers and components, as part of wider efforts to improve consumer awareness and safety.
Cycling Scotland
He said: "E-bikes are an increasingly common sight on our streets, helping more people travel more easily by bike and carry kids or goods in a cargo bike, while across Europe they form part of a multi-billion-pound industry that's helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions, with this week's heatwave once again demonstrating the urgent need for this."
However, he warned that "the illegal use of electric off-road motorbikes and modified bikes, which have a throttle converting them into a moped or motorbike, has also increased in recent years", adding that there is now "cross-party agreement that action is needed" and that the priority must be "keeping everyone safe with a harm-reduction approach".
Irving explained that, by law, an electrically assisted pedal cycle should be limited to a 250-watt motor with electrical assistance cutting out at 15.5mph, and said: "If you see someone not pedalling and going fast uphill, they're likely on a modified e-bike which should be considered a moped."
"In extreme situations, the risk is motorcycle-level acceleration and speeds without motorcycle-level safeguards," he added.
Irving said the worst behaviour linked to illegally modified machines "creates an unacceptable risk to people walking, wheeling or cycling, as well as to the riders themselves", warning that "more tragedies will occur unless action is taken".
He also pointed to wider issues contributing to the problem, saying there is a fire risk from modification kits and sub-standard lithium batteries, while online marketplaces continue to sell unsafe products and retailers offer electric motorbikes and e-scooters that can only legally be used on private land with the landowner's permission.
Irving argued that food delivery platforms are also contributing to the issue, saying they have "an exploitative model that encourages faster speeds and undertakes no credible checks against illegal use of modified bikes, creating even more risk to a marginalised group".
He said adequate regulation of the UK gig economy is "long overdue", adding that while police will receive additional powers to tackle anti-social vehicle use, safely stopping offenders riding electric motorbikes remains a significant challenge.
Highlighting the industry's response, Irving said concerns about sub-standard batteries have been raised since 2019, with the E-Bike Positive campaign helping consumers identify trusted retailers selling compliant and safe products.
He also pointed to recommendations from a Westminster All-Party Parliamentary Group report, including making online marketplaces legally accountable for unsafe listings, restoring worker status for gig economy riders and requiring delivery platforms to carry out real-time compliance checks on bikes used by riders.
"Tackling illegal electric motorbike use is a road safety priority," Irving said. "Many road safety partners are calling on the UK Government to enable stronger market regulation, improved enforcement and clearer consumer information."
He concluded by urging policymakers and the public not to confuse illegal modified machines with compliant e-bikes, saying: "We need to distinguish between dangerous machines designed for the dirt track and legal e-bikes, produced with rigorous product checks, which are a fantastic way for adults of all ages to get around and another brilliant tourism asset for Scotland."