Electric bikes are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on Highland roads, cycle paths and forest trails, but Police Scotland is warning riders that illegally modified machines could be seized and destroyed.

The warning follows a nationwide operation during the week beginning 19 October 2026, when officers recovered 142 electric bikes and scooters being used illegally.

Operation Overlap resulted in the seizure of 99 electric bikes and 43 electric scooters, with enforcement taking place across most police divisions in Scotland.

The largest number of seizures was recorded in Greater Glasgow, where officers recovered 54 vehicles, although Police Scotland has not provided a separate figure for the Highlands.

All 142 vehicles seized during the operation are to be destroyed.

The latest action follows a substantial increase in enforcement throughout 2026, with police having already seized 561 electric bikes and 441 electric scooters by 16 October.

For Highland riders, particularly those using electric mountain bikes to explore forest tracks, trails and rural routes, the distinction between a legal bicycle and a motor vehicle is important.

An electric bicycle can be used legally on public roads and permitted cycle routes without insurance, registration or a driving licence, provided it meets the requirements for an electrically assisted pedal cycle.

The motor must have a maximum continuous rated output of 250 watts, with electrical assistance cutting out once the bicycle reaches 15.5mph.

A bicycle can travel faster than that through pedalling or downhill momentum, but its motor must stop providing assistance above the permitted speed.

Removing the manufacturer’s speed restriction or modifying the motor beyond the legal limits can change how the bicycle is classified under road traffic legislation.

Such machines may be treated as mopeds or motorcycles, bringing requirements for registration, insurance, a suitable driving licence and an approved motorcycle helmet.

These rules also matter on Highland trails, where access arrangements do not automatically permit the use of vehicles legally classified as motor vehicles.

Electric scooters are subject to different restrictions, with privately owned models generally prohibited from public roads, pavements and other public spaces.

They can legally be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing, said:

“We know this is a growing issue across Scotland and this week of actions shows how seriously we are taking it.

“We are very clear that illegally modified e-bikes are dangerous and not suitable for the public road.

“They pose a risk to their own riders, the emergency services and other road users, particularly pedestrians.

“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.”

The message for Highland riders is straightforward, with ordinary electric bicycles remaining perfectly legal when used responsibly and within the regulations.

It is the illegal modification and use of machines outside those rules that can turn an enjoyable ride into an expensive encounter with the police.