Meeting of the Parliament 09 December 2025
I thank Sue Webber for bringing to the chamber this important debate on the dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
As convener of the cross-party group on accident prevention and safety awareness, I stress that these vehicles are not only a concern for the people who ride them; they pose huge risks to pedestrians and other road users, and to anyone—including service dogs—sharing our roads and pavements. Safety has to come first.
It is important to be clear from the outset that not all e-bikes are dangerous—many are safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. However, we are seeing a serious and growing problem with black-market and illegally modified e-bikes. Too often, e-bikes are fitted with cheap conversion kits that let them reach speeds far beyond what the manufacturers had ever intended. To illustrate the danger, I highlight that a recent police seizure recovered an e-bike that was capable of reaching 70mph.
The issue is not only excessive speed. Illegally modified bikes pose a serious fire risk, particularly when they are being charged. There have already been fatalities in the United Kingdom that have been linked to fires that were started by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. The combination of extreme speed, instability and the risk of battery fires makes the bikes a very real public safety concern.
Alongside the physical dangers, we cannot ignore the rise in antisocial behaviour that is associated with some e-bike and e-scooter use. Ms Webber excellently laid out some of the problems, such as riders weaving through pedestrians, ignoring traffic signals and using pavements and shared spaces irresponsibly. That is becoming increasingly common. For communities, it is destructive day-to-day behaviour that shapes how they see e-bikes and e-scooters. It reinforces how urgently we need to address the wider safety issue.
In Scotland, the law is clear: e-bikes and e-scooters are already regulated in terms of their speed and power output and where they can be used. Police also have the authority to seize vehicles that are illegally modified or are being used dangerously. Recent enforcement activity shows that the unsafe modifications and reckless behaviour are not isolated incidents—they are widespread, and the risks are very real.
We need a balanced approach. E-bikes and e-scooters offer convenience and real environmental benefits, but public safety must come first. Education and awareness raising are essential to help people understand the dangers of illegal modifications, reckless use and antisocial behaviour, and unsafe charging.
Alongside that, enforcement must be robust. Those who put themselves or others at risk must be held accountable. We should look to the role of manufacturers, retailers and local authorities in ensuring that people have access to safe and legal e-bikes and e-scooters. I have worked extensively with the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland to look at how such measures can be implemented in our communities.
E-bikes and e-scooters can absolutely be a positive addition to our transport system, but the dangers that are posed by illegal modifications, reckless riding, antisocial behaviour and battery-related fires cannot be ignored.
I make a final plea to the minister. The police are frustrated that, when they seize vehicles, a small fine is paid and the vehicle is then released back to the owner. If we could have stronger legislation for repeat offenders, that might help the situation.
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