MSPs have backed a Scottish mum’s calls for a crackdown on dangerous e-bikes after her nine-year-old son was mown down by a teenage rider outside his home.
Politicians from across Holyrood have united behind Hawick mum Yvonne Dobson after the Daily Record revealed how her son Luke Lane, 9, suffered concussion and cuts when he was struck by an allegedly modified e-bike changed to drive faster than the legal road-riding limit of 15mph.
The schoolboy was knocked unconscious after being hit while crossing Queens Drive on Monday evening. He later underwent a CT scan at Borders General Hospital before being allowed home to recover.
Speaking to the Record, Yvonne urged ministers to tighten rules surrounding e-bikes, warning: “My child could have been killed.”
View 6 ImagesLuke was left with a concussion after the incident. (Image: Supplied)
Now politicians from all four main opposition parties have backed her calls and urged action to tackle dangerous and illegally modified bikes.
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “The SNP must listen to Yvonne and tackle the risk posed by e-bikes before more kids are hurt.
“I have been in touch with Police Scotland about the growing concern for safety of pedestrians and the speed of some riders.
View 6 ImagesScottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill (Image: Getty Images)
“Scottish Labour has long called for action on e-bikes – from empowering police to issue warnings and fines for dangerous use to making sure illegal e-bikes can be effectively tracked and crushed.
“There must be a review of Police powers to ensure they have all the necessary powers to act and stop people getting hurt.”
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr said Luke’s ordeal was “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
View 6 ImagesScottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr(Image: Ken Jack/Getty Images)
He added: “Illegal and dangerously modified e-bikes are putting lives at risk, yet SNP ministers have allowed this menace to spread unchecked while communities are left to pay the price.
“Police need the powers to seize these vehicles on the spot and those who use them recklessly should face tough consequences.
“The SNP cannot keep sitting on their hands until someone is killed.”
To stop members of the public being put in danger, Yvonne suggested that those driving e-bikes should have a driving licence and be registered. Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Patrick Harvie echoed that call.
View 6 ImagesMSP Patrick Harvie(Image: PA)
He said: “Everyone will be relieved that Luke was not more seriously injured, and I wish him a full recovery from what must have been a distressing experience for him and his family, that should never have happened in the first place.
“The lack of clarity in the law about different types of bikes and scooters, at the same time as increased availability, is causing a growing problem.
“Nobody should be using any bike recklessly or putting children and pedestrians in danger.
“But when these much faster and more powerful machines are being passed off as ordinary e-bikes then we have a problem that the Government needs to act on.
“The UK Government controls the regulation of vehicles, and they have been promising to take action when there’s time available in Parliament, but so far they haven’t chosen to make it a priority.”
While Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Yi-pei Chou Turvey said: “This is a horrific story, and it must have been extremely frightening for Luke and Yvonne.
“The increasing popularity of e-bikes should be matched with an increased focus on both safety and nuisance behaviour.
“The priority should be making sure that people know that accidents and collisions can lead to serious injury.
“It’s also right that the police are focused on antisocial behaviour, which can be at the root of dangerous incidents like this.”
View 6 ImagesLuke was treated at hospital after the e-bike crash. (Image: Supplied)
Yvonne told the Record she watched on in horror as a teenage rider travelling at speed ploughed into Luke as he crossed the road outside their home.
The 35-year-old said police told her the bike involved had been modified to travel faster than the legal road limit for electrically assisted bikes.
A 15-year-old boy has since been charged in connection with road traffic offences and the bike has been seized.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family following this upsetting incident.
“Road safety is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government and it is absolutely essential that all vehicles on and off Scotland’s roads are used safely, responsibly and at appropriate speeds.
“We understand the concerns around the misuse of e‑bikes and are engaging with the UK Government, which holds powers over off‑road vehicles, including licensing, to explore what further action may be taken. Ministers and officials meet regularly with Police Scotland and partners and are committed to supporting them to tackle issues such as these.”
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