Call to tighten rules on e-scooters and e-bikes

E-scooters have been called "bombs on wheels"

A council has called for stricter rules to be introduced for e-bikes and e-scooters.

Broxtowe Borough councillors passed a motion on Wednesday calling for licensing requirements to be brought in.

The council will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to raise the issue.

Councillor Adam Stockwell raised concerns over riders "swerving dangerously in and out around cars", not obeying traffic lights, speeding, being hard to see, and said he had witnessed users deliberately "riding at speed" toward pedestrians.

He added: "All it takes is one slip or one miscalculation or it being ridden at an older resident and that's going to be a serious collision with serious injuries, no doubt."

The council has called for vehicles to be registered, and new licences and a training course be introduced for usage.

Beeston residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they backed the appeal.

A plea has been made to tighten up the rules on e-vehicles

One bike shop worker said he routinely sees e-bike riders "flying across the road" while another Beeston resident who works with bicycles said: "I ride one myself as my knee is totally shot - everyone who rides one, including myself, should be licensed.

"E-bikes over the speed limit should be confiscated anyway, but the police can't catch them.

"E-scooters are bombs on wheels."

Broxtowe Borough Council's motion calls for action generally on e-bike and e-scooter use.

Neighbouring Nottingham City Council operates a Lime e-bike hire scheme, which extends into the county to cover Beeston in Broxtowe.

A spokesperson for Lime said: "We take vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour seriously and encourage the public to report incidents to us – including time and location – so we can take swift action.

"It's crucial we work together with the council and police to deter misuse and hold offenders accountable. This includes rider education, enforcement tools and close coordination with local authorities to ensure the service remains safe and accessible for everyone."