Dorset Police Seize Record Numbers of Illegal E-Bikes and E-Scooters in Crackdown on Anti-Social Behaviour

Dorset Police have seized almost 230 illegal electric vehicles this year in what they describe as the Force’s strongest response yet to growing public concern about the anti-social and dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Across 2025 so far, officers have confiscated 99 illegal e-bikes, including high-powered scramblers and Sur-Rons, along with 128 illegal e-scooters under road safety legislation. The Force says these are the highest seizure figures it has ever recorded.

The operation has been boosted by the introduction of SmartTag forensic spray in Poole and North Bournemouth, rolled out in March 2025 following repeated reports of anti-social behaviour. The spray releases a unique identifying code that can be applied to riders, improving the chances of successful prosecutions and helping officers link individuals to offences. The initiative is expected to be extended across wider areas of Dorset.

Dorset Police are also working alongside seven other police forces and Bournemouth University as part of an evidence-led study into tackling electric vehicle-related offending. Offence data is being shared with local partners to help build a clearer intelligence picture and allow officers to respond more effectively to community concerns.

Inspector Nick Lee, of Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, who led the roll-out of the scheme, said communities had made it clear that illegal electric vehicle use was a growing problem.

“The impact of the anti-social use of these illegal electric vehicles in our communities is regularly raised as a concern and that is why we have taken robust and decisive action to combat the issue, yielding a record number of seizures,” he said.

He warned that anyone caught using an illegal e-bike or e-scooter faces losing it permanently.

“If you are caught riding one of these vehicles illegally, it will be seized, crushed and recycled,” he said. “Their unlawful use in public areas puts pedestrians and other road users at risk.”

Inspector Lee acknowledged that while some offenders deliberately use the vehicles to commit crime, others – including delivery drivers, commuters and young people – may simply be unaware of the law. He urged buyers to check legal requirements before purchasing and highlighted the Force’s education efforts, including a TikTok video campaign that reached around 10 million viewers, 40 per cent of whom were under 24.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illegal use via the police website or by calling 101, and to dial 999 in an emergency.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick backed the Force’s robust approach.

“The reckless and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters can have a real and lasting impact on people’s quality of life,” he said. “These results demonstrate a clear commitment to listening to community concerns, taking decisive action against anti-social behaviour and ensuring Dorset remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Further information about the legal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is available at www.dorset.police.uk/escooter.