We must make Edinburgh’s streets safe for everyone to use - Lorna Slater

They help people tackle hills, travel further and cycle when age, disability or fitness might otherwise make it difficult. We should encourage their use, not put barriers in the way of responsible riders.

But support for cycling must go hand in hand with safety. People should be able to walk along a path, cross a street or take children out without worrying about an illegally modified bike speeding past them. Paths are for people, and everyone using our streets deserves to feel safe.

The problem is not e-bikes themselves, it is their misuse, including bikes illegally upgraded to travel at speeds and power levels beyond the rules for ordinary electric bicycles. These machines put pedestrians and riders at risk, while making life harder for responsible cyclists.

Police Scotland’s national week of action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters is welcome. We need visible enforcement and clear guidance to help officers distinguish legal e-bikes from illegal motor vehicles.

Sellers and conversion-kit suppliers must be held accountable and delivery platforms should take responsibility when riders use unsafe, non-compliant machines to fulfil orders.

I have been raising these concerns with Police Scotland and working with colleagues, including Scott Arthur MP, to press for practical action. That means examining whether proportionate licensing or registration could improve accountability for illegal, high-powered machines and those selling or modifying them, without burdening people using legal e-bikes to get around.

Edinburgh’s streets are changing and that is something to welcome. A city that makes space for cycling can be cleaner, healthier and more accessible. But active travel will only thrive if people feel safe using our shared spaces.

We can support e-bikes and tackle dangerous behaviour at the same time. We must.