Oxford MP calls for crackdown on illegal e-bikes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 06:02 · Archive

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has urged the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes, citing links to crime and exploitation.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has called on the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes, warning that their growing use is linked to crime, exploitation and a fall in sales of legal vehicles. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, she said the proliferation of illegal e-bikes was creating problems for communities and businesses.

Police data revealed e-bike seizures in Oxfordshire have risen 160 per cent in a year, from 163 to 425. Ms Dodds claimed sales of legal e-bikes had fallen as a result of the rise in illegally modified machines, and that sales of L1-category motorbikes had also suffered. She said: 'There has been a reduction in sales of legal e-bikes, surely not something that we want, because of the proliferation of illegal ones. Unfortunately, we are also seeing links with exploitation in the gig economy and with criminality.'

Ms Dodds pressed the Department for Transport on when it would publish research into illegal e-bikes and their use in food delivery work, which she said was expected in the spring. She also asked whether Parliament would be given time to debate the findings. A key focus of her speech was the need for stronger regulation of the supply chain for illegal e-bikes, e-scooters and conversion kits.

How it is being reported

• Oxford MP calls for crackdown on 'crime-linked' illegal e-bikesAn Oxford MP has urged the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes, warning that their growing use is linked to crime, exploitation and a fall in sales of legal vehicles.Oxford Mail · 25 Oct, 05:00
• Oxford MP calls for crackdown on 'crime-linked' illegal e-bikesAn Oxford MP has urged the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes, warning that their growing use is linked to crime, exploitation and a fall in sales of legal vehicles.Oxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Anneliese Dodds · Oxford East · Oxfordshire · Department for Transport

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