Tayside Police will conduct further patrols in the Luncarty area after reports of young people driving e-bikes at high speed and in an “anti-social manner”.
Officers conducted high-visibility patrols in the village throughout last week, where one young person was cautioned, charged and had their e-bike seized.
Further patrols are planned in Luncarty and the surrounding areas in the coming weeks.
These will be directed according to community concerns around the use of e-bikes on public roads, tracks and fields.
A Tayside Police spokesperson said: “Following concerns raised by residents in the Luncarty area regarding youths driving at speed and in an anti-social manner on public roads, tracks and fields, officers from the Perth Community Team conducted high-visibility patrols in the area.
“As a result of a recent patrol, one youth has been cautioned and charged with various Road Traffic offences and an e-bike seized.
“Further patrols are planned in this and other areas.
“If you have concerns regarding anti-social behaviour or driving in your area, let us know by calling 101 or using the e-form at www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us”
Strathtay ward councillor Bailie Claire McLaren has listened to concerns from locals regarding e-bike use, and also an incident which saw a play area damaged at the local school.
She said: “[I have] been contacted by concerned residents and was pleased to hear that police were carrying out patrols of the area.
“Damage to a school play area is something that is disappointing to see and impacts many users.”
E-bikes can be ridden by people aged 14 years old and over, as long as it meets certain requirements.
Also known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs), a licence is not required to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike, meaning it can be ridden on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.
Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed.
A driving licence will be needed to ride one and a helmet must be worn.
An electric bike must be type approved if either it can be propelled without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC), or if it meets the EAPC rules.
