Global Crackdowns Intensify on Illegal E-Scooters and High-Speed E-Bikes

Authorities across various regions are intensifying enforcement efforts against illegal use of electric scooters and bikes, with a particular focus on devices that exceed legal speed limits or are used improperly in public spaces. In Bromsgrove, police have seized e-scooters and shifted from education to enforcement, emphasizing that privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes, except for council-run schemes. Similarly, Bahrain's General Directorate of Traffic is cracking down on electric scooters used on main roads and vehicle lanes, citing safety risks and traffic disruption. In the Twin Cities suburbs, concerns grow over "e-motos," mini electric motorcycles that can reach speeds up to 50 mph and are illegal without permits; these devices are often mistaken for e-bikes, which are subject to stricter speed and equipment regulations. Officials warn that young riders, sometimes as young as 10, are using these faster devices illegally, prompting local governments to enact helmet laws and issue public alerts to differentiate between e-motos and e-bikes. These enforcement actions highlight the challenges of balancing the rapid adoption of electric mobility devices with safety and regulatory compliance.