Douglas Lumsden MP has called for mandatory registration and insurance requirements for e-bikes after a toddler was almost struck by a speeding rider in an Aberdeen park.
The Aberdeen South MP said tougher laws and more effective enforcement were urgently needed to tackle the reckless use of e-bikes, which he warned were “terrorising communities” across the city.
Mr Lumsden was contacted by the father of a 20-month-old boy following a frightening incident in Duthie Park.
The parent said he had to pull his young son out of the path of an e-bike rider who came within inches of hitting the toddler while travelling at speed along a crowded path.
The rider reportedly continued weaving through pedestrians before speeding away laughing. The incident was subsequently reported to Police Scotland.
Following the near miss, Mr Lumsden wrote to Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen, the divisional commander for North East policing, calling for targeted patrols in areas such as Duthie Park.
He warned that a pedestrian could be seriously injured or killed unless action was taken to tackle those using e-bikes dangerously on streets, pavements and in public spaces.
Concerns have also been raised about e-bikes being involved in incidents of vandalism across Aberdeen. In January, around £4,000 worth of damage was caused after bikes tore up parts of Nigg Bay Golf Club.
Mr Lumsden is calling on the UK Government to give police greater powers and resources to seize illegally operated e-bikes. He also wants registration and insurance requirements introduced to make riders more easily identifiable and accountable.
Scottish Conservative MP for Aberdeen South Douglas Lumsden said:
“The problem of e-bikes being used recklessly on the streets, pavements and public spaces of Aberdeen is more widespread than ever.
“I was horrified to hear of the near miss involving a toddler and an e-bike in Duthie Park, exposing the horrifying dangers these bikes pose to our children when travelling at high speeds.
“I am increasingly concerned that, without effective enforcement and a change in the law, a pedestrian will be seriously injured or killed.
“Police need more powers and resources from the UK Government to make it easier to seize illegally driven e-bikes which are terrorising parts of our city.
“There need to be mandatory registration and insurance requirements for these vehicles so riders can be identified and proper punishments can be imposed when they are used illegally.”
In his letter to Chief Superintendent Stephen, Mr Lumsden acknowledged the pressures facing local police officers but said residents needed reassurance that dangerous riders would not be allowed to act with impunity.
He added:
“We urgently need to crack down on this reckless and life-threatening behaviour before someone is seriously injured or killed.
“I would welcome an urgent meeting with Police Scotland to discuss what further action can be taken to protect pedestrians and other legitimate users of Aberdeen’s public spaces.”
