Thursday, July 24, 2025
A total of 56 illegal e-bikes, motorbikes, scooters, and illegally adapted cycles have been seized, mostly under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for not having insurance or a licence.
Yesterday (July 23) officers from Blackpool's Neighbourhood Policing team and Roads Policing Unit joined forces with Trading Standards, Immigration, Blackpool Council and many other partners to crack down on the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in Blackpool, one of the most reported areas of illegal bike nuisance.
The operation also benefited from the forces new specialist bikes which were unveiled on Tuesday (July 22). These on and off-road bikes, equipped with lights and sirens, enable trained officers to patrol areas previously difficult to access with standard vehicles.
It is part of Operation Centurion, a county-wide initiative targeting anti-social behaviour including the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and general motorbike nuisance.
Roads Policing Inspector, Dean Skelton said:
“We are seeing an increase in the use of illegal bikes and scooters in criminal activity such as drug dealing. Not only are these e-bikes and e-scooters used illegally, often without the correct insurance or license, but they are also being ridden in town centers and in really dangerous manners, which puts other road users and members of the public at risk. This is in addition to those bikes which have been adapted at home, which pose further safety risks.
“This operation is not about taking away someone's mode of transport, it is about keeping the rider and members of the public safe, as well as hindering criminals who use these bikes as a mode of transport.
“I hope this shows the residents of Blackpool that we are listening to your concerns and we are taking action. I would urge anyone with any information about illegal bikes to report this to us online. All information that comes in helps us get a clearer picture of the issue across Lancashire and put our resources where they are needed most.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added:
"The dangerous and unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters on roads and pavements has had devastating consequences both locally and across the country. It remains one of the most pressing concerns raised by residents throughout Lancashire. Since taking office, I’ve consistently called for tougher legislation, and I welcome the new powers introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill that make it easier to seize vehicles being used illegally.
"I joined officers in Blackpool to witness first-hand how the new specialist bikes—funded through my office—are being used to tackle this issue. The scale of the problem in Blackpool was deeply concerning and I'm pleased to see so many dangerous bikes taken off the streets.
"I remain committed to ensuring our officers have the tools they need and will continue to push for the strongest possible laws to protect our communities and keep people safe."
To report nuisance vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, or quads in public areas, or to find out more, visit the dedicated ASB page: www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/lancashire-tackling-asb.
Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also call 101 or 999 in an emergency.