Police Scotland launches week-long crackdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters after more than 1,000 are seized this year

Seizures have soared. Officers took 561 e-bikes and 441 e-scooters up to last Friday, against 373 and 196 in the whole of last year. Operation Overlap, which began on Monday, targets machines modified to beat the 15.5mph limit. Superintendent Andy Barclay warned they are 'dangerous and not suitable for the public road'. Edinburgh South West Labour MP Scott Arthur has won a Commons debate on illegal imports.

Food delivery riders in Edinburgh and Glasgow widely use e-bikes that exceed the speed limit.

Modified machines could be classed as motorcycles under the law, the force warned.

E-scooters are illegal everywhere in Scotland except on private land.