Falkirk parents have been warned they could face serious consequences if they let their children ride e-bikes and e-scooters illegally, amidst a Police Scotland crackdown.

Operation Overlap, a national initiative, has seen officers across the country target high-powered, illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters in public places, while also offering advice on the laws surrounding their use.

The campaign follows growing concern over the use of e-scooters on pavements and roads, which is illegal everywhere in Scotland except private land, and the use of illegally modified e-bikes.

Misuse can pose a serious risk to the public, and Police Scotland has warned that adults stopped while riding illegal e-bikes or e-scooters may be prosecuted, fined and have their vehicles confiscated.

Vehicles ridden by children can also be confiscated, and parents could face a fine or penalty points on their driving licence. Police Scotland seized 373 e-bikes and 196 e-scooters in 2025, an increase of more than 60 per cent on the previous year.

The week-long operation, which began on Monday, is targeting vehicles modified to exceed speed and power limits, changes authorities say could mean they are classed as motorcycles.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, Police Scotland’s deputy head of road policing, said: “We know from reports made to us that concern about the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters is a growing issue across Scotland.

“We want to be clear that illegally modified e-bikes are dangerous and not suitable for the public road. They pose a risk to their own riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians.

A delivery rider on an e-bike on a pavement in Glasgow city centre. (Pic. John Devlin.)

placeholder image — A delivery rider on an e-bike on a pavement in Glasgow city centre. (Pic. John Devlin.)

“This week of activity will focus on removing these vehicles from the roads and I want to be clear that anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will face the risk of having it seized by officers and destroyed.

“We also want to make sure that people are aware of the legislation and their personal responsibilities if using an e-bike or e-scooter.

“Please be mindful of where you can and can’t use vehicles of this type and take responsibility for your own actions and the safety of other road users.”

To report illegal e-bikes or e-scooters, call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.