Norfolk's Community Safety Scrutiny Sub Panel has asked police to clarify what laws apply to modified and high-powered electric bicycles, after councillors raised concerns that some models can reach dangerous speeds with little regulatory oversight.

Richard Park, Head of Criminal Justice for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, agreed at the 27 April meeting to seek advice from policing colleagues and report back to the panel on the legal position and what enforcement options are available.

The issue has already been discussed within the Road Safety Operational Group, and separate conversations are ongoing at a national level about whether existing legislation needs to change to keep pace with rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

The panel also heard concerns about other emerging vehicle types, including small electric quadricycles, with highways officers acknowledging that new vehicle categories had been appearing faster than regulation can keep up. Laura Partridge, Road Safety Commissioning Manager at Norfolk County Council, noted that vulnerable road users — including those using newer electric vehicles — are already a focus of current and planned road safety campaigns.

Separately, the Government has recently launched a consultation on mobility scooters, reflecting similar concerns about the growing variety of personal electric transport and the need to clarify safety rules for pedestrians and other road users.

Norfolk operates a Safe System approach to road safety, which aims to reduce the severity of collisions by addressing roads, speeds, vehicles and road user behaviour together. Officers said emerging vehicle types are being considered within that framework, though enforcement gaps remain a concern while national legislation catches up.