Putting the brakes on illegal e riders. Tipton and surrounding areas

Putting the brakes on illegal e riders. Tipton and surrounding areas

Our local Neighbourhood Policing Team and Sandwell Council are taking a tough stance against illegal e-bikes, e-scooters, and off-road bikes.

Following persistent complaints from residents, we are actively deploying targeted patrols to intercept dangerous riders.

Key Focus Areas

Local officers have stepped up visible and plain-clothed enforcement across designated hotspot sectors, specifically tracking nuisance behaviour at:

Great Bridge (including Great Bridge High Street and the retail park)

Princes End

Tipton Green & Victoria Park

Danger zones such as riders jumping red lights at the Great Bridge island

Real Consequences for Illegal Riding

Any rider found operating a vehicle that breaches UK statutory regulations risks immediate vehicle seizure and potential destruction. In recent operations across Sandwell, multiple illegal e-bikes were permanently taken off the streets. Riders face heavy fines and prosecution for driving motor vehicles without a valid licence or insurance.

Know the Law: What Makes a Ride Illegal?

E-Scooters: It remains entirely illegal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements, cycle paths, or parks. They cannot be legally insured for public use.

E-Bikes: Legal Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) must have functional pedals, a motor capacity capped at 250W, and an electrical assist speed that cuts out at 15.5mph. If a bike features a twist-and-go throttle or modifications allowing it to exceed 15.5mph without pedalling, it is legally classed as a motorcycle.

How You Can Help Us

We need your eyes and ears to stop this dangerous behaviour. If you have descriptions of persistent riders, locations where vehicles are being stored, or dashcam/CCTV footage, please report it:

Use the West Midlands Police Live Chat Portal to submit an online report.

Log information completely anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers online or calling 0800 555 111

Thank you from Tipton police station.

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Message Sent By
Selina Male
(Police, Police Community Support Officer, Tipton)