CHESHIRE Police is warning of the consequences of stealing and illegally riding e-bikes and e-scooters following an increase in thefts.

In recent years there has been an increase in the popularity of owning electric vehicles, and during the past few months, the force has seen a spike in thefts and robberies of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Officers are also seeing a rise in the illegal use of these vehicles in public places across Cheshire.

It is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces.

If you are using a private e-scooter, you risk the vehicle being seized. You can however use them on private land with the permission of the landowner.

However, if you own an e-bike, you can ride it if you are aged 14 or over, and as long as it meets certain requirements and has not been modified in any way.

If you do not have the correct licence or are riding without insurance, you could face a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence.

You could also be committing an offence if you are caught riding on a pavement, using a phone or handheld device while riding, riding through red lights or drink-driving.

If you are using an e-bike or e-scooter in a public space and in an antisocial manner, you also risk the vehicle being seized.

DCI Rob McLoughlin said: “Should you be caught illegally using an e-vehicle, or stealing and selling them on, you will have a criminal record which will affect you in future.

“In recent months, we have made a number of arrests and positive seizures of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally in Cheshire.

“Over the summer months, we will continue to patrol open spaces and provide a visible presence.

“Innocent people using e-bikes are often targeted and fall victim of theft by individuals who are intent to use them to assist their criminal activity.

“We understand how distressing it is to be a victim of this type of crime and the impact it can have, and we are working hard to reduce this through targeted patrols.

“We would always encourage anyone who has an e-bike to take advantage of security measures such as the Bike Register, the UK’s national bike marking and registration scheme which aims to reduce cycle theft, identify stolen bikes and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners.”

You should also ensure you secure it properly with an appropriate lock, consider installing a video doorbell camera, consider using a tracking device and display labels advising that a tracker is fitted, and get your bike or scooter security marked.

If your bike or scooter has been stolen, contact police by calling 999 if a crime is taking place or report it online.