Eastbourne MP demands crackdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters amid 54% rise in reports to Sussex Police

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has called on the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, warning that dangerous riding is putting pedestrians at risk across the town.

The Liberal Democrat MP raised concerns during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday 21 October, highlighting growing complaints from residents about the use of illegal electric vehicles in busy public areas.

Among the locations identified were Terminus Road, Kings Drive and Eastbourne seafront, where concerns have been raised about pedestrian safety and antisocial riding.

Mr Babarinde told Parliament that stronger enforcement was needed to tackle the problem and prevent irresponsible users from undermining support for more sustainable forms of transport.

Figures from Sussex Police reveal a significant increase in reported incidents involving illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.

In the 12 months to June 2026, the force recorded a 53.7% increase in reports compared with the previous year.

Police also seized 321 vehicles between January and July as part of efforts to tackle illegal use across Sussex.

During the debate, Mr Babarinde highlighted approaches taken by other countries to regulate electric bikes and scooters, suggesting the UK could learn from international examples when considering how to address illegal and dangerous riding.

He also called on the Government to work more closely with local police forces.

The Eastbourne MP asked the Minister to commit to meeting representatives of Sussex Police to discuss how enforcement could be strengthened across the county, particularly in Eastbourne.

Following the debate, Mr Babarinde stressed that he supported active travel but believed action was necessary to protect pedestrians and responsible road users.

He said: “I'm a proud supporter of active travel and want to see more people walking, wheeling and cycling as part of their everyday journeys.

“However, a recent increase in the use of illegal and dangerous e-bikes and e-scooters risks undermining that progress, putting pedestrians at risk and giving responsible users a bad name.

“Residents in Eastbourne deserve to feel safe on our streets. That’s why I have made it clear to the Government that we need to ensure these vehicles are properly enforced and give our police the tools they need to take action”.

Sussex Police has already launched a dedicated operation targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters across the county.

Operation Scramble, introduced in September, brings together neighbourhood policing teams, roads policing officers and specialist units to tackle dangerous riding through education, engagement and enforcement.

Officers have reported growing concerns about illegally modified electric bikes, privately owned e-scooters being ridden in public and vehicles being used in antisocial behaviour.

Under existing legislation, privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements or in other public spaces.

Legal electric bicycles must also comply with specific requirements relating to motor assistance, speed and power.

Mr Babarinde says stronger enforcement is essential to ensure residents can travel safely around Eastbourne without being put at risk by those ignoring the law.

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