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Know dangers of e-bike Christmas presents - police

BBC A grey motorbike leaning against a white wall. It's quite muddy, as if it's been ridden off road.BBC
Police want people to know what licence, insurance and safety gear people need for different types of e-bikes

People need to know of the dangers of e-bikes before buying them as Christmas presents, police have said.

It is illegal to ride e-scooters on the road, footpaths and cycle paths in Wales and police want people to check the law before buying any electric bike, motorbike or scooter.

North Wales Police recently arrested a man after a group was seen riding electric motorbikes at more than 50mph (80km/h) on a path, and said several others had been seriously injured in crashes.

Sgt Dave Mallin of Dyfed-Powys Police said: "We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea in the run up to Christmas, but it's important to understand the rules and risks that come with them."

Numerous types of electrically driven bike and scooter have come on sale in the past few years, which police said has lead to more accidents and more people riding them without the correct driving licence or safety gear, such as crash helmets.

An e-bike, technically known as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) must have pedals and a motor no bigger than 250 watts which must kick out at 15.5mph (25km/h).

Insp Leighton Healan from Gwent Police's roads policing and specialist operations unit said any electric bike that does not meet these rules was classed as a motorbike or moped and had to be taxed and registered.

He added: "We're asking people to make sure that if they purchase an e-bike, it is fully road legal and we're also reminding everyone than only people aged 14 and above are legally allowed to ride an e-bike."

Detective Inspector Tim Evans wearing yellow fluorescent jacket standing in front of a row of bikes. His walkie-talkie is pinned to his chest and he is a bald man with a short white/grey beard and dark rimmed glasses
Det Insp Tim Evans said North Wales Police officers had seen "an increase in anti-social riding of e-bikes"

North Wales Police said there has been several recent incidents involving more powerful e-bikes and electric motorbikes.

A police helicopter was launched in November when a group of people were seen riding e-bikes at 50mph (80km/h) on a footpath in Towyn, Conwy county and a 36-year-old man was later arrested.

In early December, a 19-year-old man was seriously hurt when his electric motorbike crashed on Anglesey

A few days later, an electric motorbike crashed into a car in Wrexham, leaving the rider with what police called "life-changing injuries".

Det Insp Tim Evans from North Wales Police said: "Our real concern is that means more risk of serious injury, not just to the riders, but to members of the public."

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A row of e-scooters, all facing away from the camera, parked in a bay marked out with white lines in a town centre. The writing on the pavement around the parking bay reads "e-scooter hire"Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
You can hire an e-scooter in certain parts of England where trials are taking place, but you cannot ride your own one on public roads or footpaths

Trials are taking place in some parts of England where people can rent an e-scooter, but it is still illegal to ride your own, except on private land not accessible to the public.

Sgt Mallin said people needed to know the rules before buying them as Christmas gifts.

He added: "Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

"Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place."

The UK government said: "We're working with colleagues across government to tackle issues around illegal e-scooters.

"Private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads and those found breaking the law can face fines and criminal prosecution. Rental e-scooters can only be used in government-run trial areas."