Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized by police in Sussex could be destroyed under a new “no returns” policy taking effect on Sunday 1 November.
The change, announced by Sussex Police on 30 October, also applies in Surrey. Eligible vehicles will be assessed and processed under the new approach, with destruction where appropriate.
It does not mean all electric bikes are banned. Compliant pedal-assisted bikes remain legal, while authorised rental scooters operate under separate rules.
What is changing from 1 November?
The police announcement covers e-scooters used illegally in public places, e-bikes that fail electrically assisted pedal cycle rules, unlawfully ridden electric motorcycles and unregistered off-road motorcycles used in prohibited locations.
Superintendent Jo Grantham, head of roads policing for Sussex and Surrey, said: “If you are caught, be in no doubt that your vehicle will be seized and destroyed.”
The qualification matters: not every seizure automatically leads to destruction.
Concern on the Hove seafront
In a Facebook post, Peter Kyle MP said residents regularly raised concerns about fast, illegally ridden e-bikes and scooters, describing them as “frightening, dangerous and annoying”.
He welcomed the tougher enforcement while expressing support for properly used vehicles and their potential to help people get around. His comments reflect the distinction at the centre of the story: lawful riding and dangerous or illegal use are different issues.
Why police launched Operation Scramble
The policy follows Operation Scramble, launched in September to tackle illegal use through neighbourhood officers and roads policing teams.
Sussex Police recorded 2,504 reports involving illegal e-bike or e-scooter riding in the 12 months to June 2026, compared with 1,629 in the previous 12 months — a rise of 53.7%.
The force said 25.6% of reports concerned antisocial or dangerous riding, while 51.8% related to suspected drug activity. Those figures describe reports received, rather than proven offences or the behaviour of everyone who uses an electric bike.
What makes an e-bike legal?
Under the government’s electric bike rules, an electrically assisted pedal cycle, or EAPC, must have working pedals, a motor with a continuous rated output no higher than 250 watts, and assistance that cuts out above 15.5mph. Riders must be at least 14.
The 15.5mph figure is an assistance limit, not an absolute speed limit for the bicycle: a rider can pedal or coast faster without motor assistance.
A compliant EAPC does not require a driving licence, registration, vehicle tax or compulsory motor insurance. It can use routes available to ordinary pedal cycles, but not pavements.
A bike outside those limits is treated as a motorcycle or moped. Road use then requires the relevant registration, tax, insurance, licence and helmet, with vehicle approval where applicable. Simply calling a machine an “e-bike” does not settle its legal status.
Throttle operation also needs care: some approved bikes can propel themselves without pedalling. A throttle alone is therefore not proof that a bike is illegal.
Private scooters and Brighton’s rental trial
The rules for privately owned e-scooters are different from those for legal e-bikes. Private scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, pavements or in parks. They can be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Authorised rental trials provide a limited exception. Rental scooters can use roads and cycle lanes, but not pavements or motorways. Riders need an appropriate full or provisional driving licence, and the operator provides third-party insurance.
Brighton & Hove’s Beryl rental trial launched on 24 July, initially with 100 scooters at 20 hubs. Scooters are hired through the Beryl app. The government’s trial guidance lists Brighton & Hove among the participating areas.
The presence of rental scooters in the city does not make privately owned scooters legal on the same streets.
How to report dangerous or antisocial riding
Residents experiencing persistent antisocial riding can use Sussex Police’s online reporting service. Describe what happened, where and when it occurred, and any identifying details you can provide without putting yourself at risk.
