After concerns were raised regarding the usuage of illegal e-bikes across the borough at the last Teddington and Hampton Wick Police Liason Group meeting, Richmond Council says that it will raise the matter with the Metropolitan Police Service.

During the meeting, residents raised concerns over the issue of illegal e-bikes being ridden, often at excessive speed, in the borough.

They recommended the issues be raised with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police with a view to ensuring enforcement is consistent across London and sufficiently resourced to reduce incidents.

In response to the questions, Councillor Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council said: "I am happy to raise this issue with the Metropolitan Police and seek assurance that enforcement activity is consistent across London and appropriately resourced.

"While the majority of e-bike users ride responsibly, there are increasing concerns about illegally modified e-bikes, excessive speed, riding on pavements and the use of e-bikes in connection with anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime.

"The legal position on enforcement sits with the Police as cycling on the footway (pavement) is an offence under Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835, unless cycling is specifically permitted.

"This applies equally to electrically assisted bicycles. Regionally the Metropolitan Police has recognised the growing concern across London and has significantly increased its activity against illegal e-bikes and e scooters.

"We also understand that illegal e-bikes are increasingly associated with offences such as phone theft, burglary and anti-social behaviour which is recognised by the Met Police."

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He continued: "Richmond residents have consistently told us that visible policing and enforcement are important community safety issues.

"Community safety consultation feedback highlighted a strong desire for greater police visibility and local engagement, and concerns about anti-social behaviour and community safety feature regularly in discussions with local residents and ward panels.

"I therefore agree that this issue should continue to receive attention at the most senior level and I am happy to raise residents' concerns with the Borough Commander Mr Daniel Knowles where I will seek assurance that enforcement activity is applied consistently across the borough and that local concerns raised through Police Liaison Groups are reflected in operational policing activity.

"I note that this is a tricky matter to enforce and I will also be requesting that sufficient resources are available to tackle illegally modified e-bikes, dangerous riding and pavement cycling where these create risks to public safety.

"In terms of the boroughwide hire e-bike scheme, the Council's new contract with Forest places obligations on the operator to address non-compliance and complaints promptly, including through the issue of warnings and penalties for misuse as well as ensuring the Council has access to real-time monitoring information."

Last month (June), Forest became the sole e-bike operator in Richmond borough.