Tuesday, July 21, 2026
32 e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized in Blackpool, after a day of action by the local Neighbourhood Team and Roads Policing Team took place on Friday 17 July.
As part of the forces’ dedicated crackdown on ASB - Op Centurion - Blackpool Police have been proactively targeting e-bikes and e-scooters being illegally used in the town, and raising awareness of the dangers of these machines, urging people to think twice before buying one to ride this summer.
These illegal bikes and scooters will go on to be crushed, ensuring they don’t get back into circulation where they could continue to be a danger.
Inspector Danny Clough from the Roads Policing Team said:
“The use of e-bikes and e-scooters in Blackpool is a concern raised to us frequently by residents, especially over the summer months.
“We get reports of e-bikes being ridden on pavements and roads putting pedestrians and drivers at risk of harm and of riders wearing little or no safety gear on machines which can reach high speeds, putting the riders at risk of serious harm too.
“The use of illegal bikes is also often linked to wider antisocial behaviour, reckless or dangerous riding, and damage to public spaces.
“Some people might think these vehicles are harmless, but the fact is they can be very dangerous when ridden illegally. We’ve seen numerous serious collisions involving these vehicles.
“I urge the public to keep reporting e-bikes/scooters to us as your reports help us identify areas/ people of most concern and better target our resources.”
The Constabulary receives over 4,000 reports about motorcycle nuisance and illegal e-vehicles each year across Lancashire, with the issue topping the list of concerns highlighted to local neighbourhood teams via Lancashire Talking surveys.
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:
"The illegal use of bikes, quads and e-scooters remains the issue most frequently raised with me by residents. It is widespread, and the police need stronger powers to tackle it effectively.
“While Operation Centurion continues to deliver strong results in addressing ASB, particularly the misuse of illegal e bikes and e scooters, I will continue to lobby for clearer, tougher legislation, alongside measures to ensure seized bikes are consistently crushed and scrapped, as they are here in Lancashire.
"Lancashire’s new ASB Action Plan sets out a clear, coordinated approach to tackling anti-social behaviour. By working together, we will use our collective strength to prevent and deter ASB, ensuring residents receive the high-quality service they expect and deserve from the police, local authorities and our wider partners."
Anyone concerned about illegal or dangerous driving of e-bikes can find out more about reporting actions on the dedicated Op Centurion website - https://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.