Spate of incidents with electric bikes and scooters in Cramlington

Northumbria Police and the county council are taking steps in a bid to combat the issue following a number of reports from local residents.

Between 2020 and 2023, Cramlington had 694 incidents of anti-social behaviour related to the illegal use of electric and off-road motorbikes – the third highest figure in Northumberland. That figure had been significantly reduced by the police’s Operation Capio, but that work in Cramlington ended last March when Government funding for the operation was pulled.

Cramlington North councillor Wayne Daley described the problem as a “massive issue” for the town and feared someone

He said: “One resident has been in touch to say they were nearly run over by an electric bike. How long is it going to be before someone is seriously injured or killed?

“I don’t want to be in a situation where anybody is injured as a result of these morons. They are idiots.

“Anybody who knows somebody with one of these stupid bikes should report them to the police so they can be seized.”

Privately owned electric scooters are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes in the UK, while electric motorbikes require a driving license to use on the roads legally.

Cramlington Village councillor Mark Swinburn said constituents regularly contacted their local councillors about the problem.

He said: “We get constantly barraged about the number of electric bikes and scooters and asked what we are going to do about it. People have got to report it to the police – the council is not an enforcing authority.

“It’s a difficult situation. People want to see visible action.”

Officers generally do not pursue the vehicles for fear of causing injury to the rider. However, Northumbria Police said it had recently seized a number of vehicles which were being used illegally, and that the bikes and scooters had since been destroyed.

A spokesman for the force said: “We’ve been putting the brakes on illegal riders in Cramlington. Our Neighbourhood team together with council colleagues have been cracking down on motorcycle-related antisocial behaviour following a number of reports from the community.

“Using a range of tactics, we’ve successfully intercepted and seized 11 electric scooters and a Sur-Ron bike – all of which are illegal to ride on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes. A moped linked to reports of antisocial behaviour was also seized.”

A spokesman for the county council added: “We’re working closely with Northumbria Police to tackle illegal motorbike disorder through a coordinated approach that combines enforcement, prevention and community engagement.

“Joint patrols and targeted operations using drone technology are taking place in hotspot areas, supported by the use of police seizure powers where bikes are used illegally or antisocially.

“Alongside this, we’re working with local communities, landowners and partners to improve reporting, protect open spaces and explore diversionary activities, sending a clear message that unlawful and dangerous riding will not be tolerated – while supporting safer alternatives for young people.”