Douglas Lumsden MP has called for mandatory registration and insurance requirements on e-bikes to be made into law after a toddler was almost struck by one in an Aberdeen park.
The Aberdeen South MP wants to see tougher regulations introduced for tackling dangerous e-bikes which he says are “terrorising communities” across the city.
Lumsden was contacted by a concerned parent whose 20-month-old son was almost hit by an e-bike in Duthie Park.
The father said he had to pull his young boy out of the path of a speeding rider who was “inches” away from running down the toddler.
After weaving through the crowded path, the rider sped off laughing before the toddler’s dad reported the incident to the police.
Douglas Lumsden MP has subsequently written to the police calling for targeted patrols to be carried out in areas of the city such as Duthie Park over fears a pedestrian may end up being killed by an e-bike.
Not only are they being used dangerously, but several incidents of vandalism involving e-bikes have been reported across Aberdeen so far this year. In January, £4,000 worth of damage was caused after bikes tore up Aberdeen’s Nigg Bay golf course.
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 terrifying dangers these bikes pose to our children when travelling at high speeds.
“I am increasingly concerned that, without effective enforcement and a change of 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 needs to be mandatory registration and licencing on these vehicles to ensure proper punishments can be put in place for the illegal use of these bikes.”
In a letter to Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen, the divisional commander for North East policing, Douglas Lumsden MP said: “I understand the constraints under which your officers are working under.
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“However, my constituents need to see that dangerous riders cannot continue to operate with impunity.
“We urgently need to crack down on this reckless and life-threatening behaviour before someone is seriously injured or killed.
“With that in mind, I would welcome an urgent meeting to discuss what further action can be taken.”
