Off Road Bikes

Good Morning Residents, 

Now that everyone is back at school and work, this is a good moment to remind families to think carefully about how they travel.

Do you own an e‑scooter or e‑bike? Does someone in your household use one?

Since Christmas, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in e‑bikes and e‑scooters in the area, along with ongoing issues involving off‑road motorbikes. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, these are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. That means they legally require:

At present, no privately owned e‑scooter or e‑bike can be registered or insured, which means anyone using one in public places are committing road traffic offences and could face court action.  Only pedal‑assisted pedal cycles are legal to use without registration or insurance but still with limitations.

Off‑road bikes and quads are also illegal to use on public roads. They are rarely registered or insured, and we are increasingly seeing them linked to other forms of criminal activity. Riders risk prosecution and having their vehicles seized.

E‑scooters, e‑bikes (other than pedal‑assist cycles), off‑road bikes and quads can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

If you know where off‑road bikes are being used or stored, please share this information. You can contact: