West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby has called on SNP ministers to step up action against illegal e-bikes, warning they are becoming a growing problem in communities across Scotland.
The Scottish Labour MSP has written to newly appointed Justice Secretary Neil Gray asking whether the Scottish Government will commit to crushing illegal e-bikes and consider using drone technology to trace unlicensed bikes so they can be seized.
Mr Bibby is also seeking clarity on whether Police Scotland will be given powers to issue warnings and fines for the dangerous use of motorised and e-bikes in pedestrian and residential areas.
Figures released by Police Scotland show 195 e-bikes were seized across Scotland between 1st January and 21st April this year.
A total of 547 e-bikes were seized during 2025, up from 330 in 2024 and 103 in 2023.
Under UK rules, legal electrically assisted pedal cycles must meet certain requirements, including a maximum continuous motor power of 250 watts and electrical assistance cutting out at 15.5mph. Bikes outside the legal definition can be treated differently under road traffic law.
Neil Bibby MSP for West of Scotland, said: “The year-on-year rise in the number of illegal e-bikes seized by police in our communities makes clear that this is a growing problem that has to be dealt with.
“People going about their daily lives should not have to dodge illegal e-bikes speeding down our streets because their government hasn’t taken action.
“SNP Justice Secretary Neil Gray has a responsibility to set out how he plans to tackle this issue to build on the work our police force is already doing.
“Scottish Labour has previously called for drone technology to be used to trace unlicensed e-bikes for seizure, with police being handed the powers to issue warnings and fines for dangerous usage in pedestrian and residential areas.
“I am urging Mr Gray to consider these proposals in his new ministerial role, to crack down on this growing problem and to ensure that people are kept safe.”