Local MP calls for "dangerous use of e-bikes" to be tackled

Marie Tidball, Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, raised the "dangerous use of e-bikes" in Parliament, to ensure local communities have adequate local policing and regulation of unsafe usage of e-bikes.

During a Westminster Hall Debate in Parliament on community policing, Marie highlighted the "terrifying experience" of her constituent Jane, who lives in Ecclesfield, "when multiple electric bikes sped past her on the pavement as she was crossing the road".

Dr Tidball told MPs that the bikes were "going as fast as cars, with speed limiters disabled, and that if Jane had set foot on the pavement a second earlier, she would have been injured or potentially lost her life."

The local MP raised that "it is vital to roll out the 13,000 neighbourhood officers by the end of this Parliament, which the Government are working towards, to ensure that the dangerous use of e-bikes is properly tackled."

Marie Tidball previously raised this issue in the House of Commons Chamber in October 2024, shortly after she was elected. Marie has also written to the Department for Transport and South Yorkshire Police to raise this issue.

The Government's new Crime and Policing Act makes it clear that e-bikes exceeding the legal limits of 15.5mph assisted speed or 250 watts, are treated as motor vehicles. This means they must be registered, taxed and insured, with riders holding the appropriate license. The new law also gives police new powers to seize vehicles being used illegally.

Dr Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:

"Securing safer communities is one of my top priorities. Constituents, like Jane, tell me all the time about the dangerous and unsafe use of e-bikes. I know this is particularly affecting people in Chapeltown, Ecclesfield, Dodworth, Grenoside, especially Grenoside Woods, and other rural areas across our communities."

"I’m pleased that the Government is rolling out 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers and has given the police new powers to seize vehicles. I know locally South Yorkshire Police have confirmed the neighbourhood team is actively patrolling Ecclesfield Common alongside its dedicated Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team to tackle unsafe e-bikes being ridden anti-socially.

"If you are impacted by this issue, I want to hear from you, please email me at marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk"