Sussex Police and Surrey Police now seize and, where appropriate, destroy illegally used e-scooters, e-bikes and off-road motorcycles, under a new procedure that started on Sunday 1 November 2026. Sussex Police announced the change on Friday 30 October 2026.
The force says the aim is to take vehicles used unlawfully on roads and in public places out of circulation for good. It follows the launch of Operation Scramble, the Sussex crackdown on illegal e-bike and e-scooter riding.
What changes from 1 November
The change. Eligible vehicles seized by police are no longer returned. Sussex Police calls it a "no returns" approach, so that vehicles used unlawfully cannot be ridden again.
Where it applies. Across the Sussex Police and Surrey Police areas, which includes Brighton and Hove.
How it worked before. Officers used their discretion when they stopped a rider, depending on the circumstances. That could mean words of advice instead of a seizure.
After a seizure. Vehicles are assessed and processed under the new guidance and, where appropriate, destroyed.
Which vehicles are covered
E-scooters. Those used illegally on public roads or in public places.
E-bikes. Illegal e-bikes that do not meet the rules for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles, known as EAPC regulations.
E-motorcycles. Those ridden unlawfully.
Off-road motorcycles. Unregistered machines used on roads, on public land or in other prohibited places.
What Sussex Police says
Superintendent Jo Grantham, head of roads policing for Sussex Police and Surrey Police, said the use of these high-powered machines is a growing concern for communities and that patrols have been stepped up to target offenders. She said it makes no difference whether a rider is travelling to school or work or riding for fun.
Grantham said e-scooters are illegal to use in public unless they are part of an authorised rental scheme, and that e-bikes and e-motorbikes must meet legal requirements. She warned the consequences could include a criminal record, a driving ban or serious injury to the rider or someone else. Riders who are caught, she said, should "be in no doubt that your vehicle will be seized and destroyed."
The force also says it would rather prevent seizures than carry them out. Officers are working with young people, parents, schools, colleges and communities on education before enforcement is needed, and they are asking people who see dangerous or illegal riding to report it to Sussex Police.
Part of Operation Scramble
Sussex Police says the change supports Operation Scramble, which targets crime involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Our Operation Scramble report has the force's figures on reports and seizures this year.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne welcomed the policy. She said residents regularly tell her they are worried about e-scooters and e-bikes on pavements, in town centres and in parks, both for antisocial behaviour and for the risk of serious injury to pedestrians and other road users. She urged parents, carers and riders to understand the law and the consequences of breaking it.
What it means in Brighton and Hove
The policy covers the whole force area, so a privately owned e-scooter ridden on a Brighton or Hove road or in a public place can now be seized and, where appropriate, destroyed. The authorised way to ride an e-scooter in the city is the Beryl hire trial, set out in our Beryl e-scooter guide.
For e-bikes, the policy applies to those that do not meet the EAPC regulations.
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