MP welcomes tougher police action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffith has welcomed new Sussex Police measures allowing illegally ridden e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorbikes to be seized and destroyed, following repeated concerns from residents across the area.
The MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton said the changes were ‘a welcome development in efforts to tackle dangerous riding and make local streets safer’.
The new policy, which came into force on Sunday, November 1, allows officers to seize eligible vehicles being used unlawfully in public places, with those meeting the relevant criteria potentially being destroyed rather than returned to their owners.
The changes apply across Sussex and Surrey and form part of a wider effort to tackle dangerous and antisocial riding.
Mrs Griffiths said: “Residents have repeatedly raised concerns with me about dangerous riding on pavements, through our town centres, and along Bognor Regis promenade. I highlighted these problems in my SussexWorld column in September and raised them again with Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings, our new District Commander, last month. People should be able to go about their daily lives without feeling intimidated or unsafe.
"This is a welcome step forward, but we need to see these tougher measures enforced consistently across our area. I’ll continue pressing for safer streets, more visible policing, and action against those who put others at risk. If you witness dangerous or illegal riding, please report it to Sussex Police.”
The crackdown follows the launch of Operation Scramble by Sussex Police in September, which was set up to tackle illegal e-bike and e-scooter use through increased enforcement, education and engagement with communities.
Police figures revealed that 2,504 reports of illegal e-bike and e-scooter use were received in Sussex in the 12 months to June 2026 – an increase of 53.7 per cent on the previous 12-month period.
Of those reports, 25.6 per cent related to antisocial or dangerous riding, while 51.8 per cent involved suspected drug activity.
Under the new policy, officers will target:
E-scooters being ridden illegally on public roads or in public places.
E-bikes which do not meet legal Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements.
E-motorcycles being ridden unlawfully.
Unregistered off-road motorcycles being used in prohibited locations.
Previously, officers had discretion over how to deal with offenders, with action ranging from words of advice to seizure.
The new approach introduces a 'no returns' policy for eligible vehicles, which will be assessed and processed before potentially being destroyed.
However, police have also stressed that education remains an important part of the operation, with officers working with young people, parents, schools and colleges to explain the law and the consequences of illegal riding.