Numerous electric bikes were seized during a policing operation aimed at tackling illegal riding in Nottingham city centre.
Responding to local concerns, neighbourhood officers targeted multiple hotspot areas such as Trinity Square, Milton Street, Hockley and Old Market Square.
The day of action was held on Monday (3 November) and led to the seizure of seven e-bikes that had been ridden illegally.
Under current laws, electric bicycles are legal to use across the country but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5mph.
Despite this, riders have been modifying e-bikes with higher-powered motors and batteries to go faster than the legal limit of 15.5mph, putting pedestrians at risk.
Neighbourhood teams spent an afternoon stopping and seizing bikes after concerns were raised by members of the public.
Seven e-bikes were seized in total, with Deliveroo and other delivery riders among those stopped for having bikes with throttles and high-powered motors.
In addition, each rider was issued with a Traffic Offence Report – similar to a court summons. It is a formal document that serves to record the incident and a driver’s details, which are then stored on police systems. It also informs the rider that they are to be charged with committing an offence.
Meanwhile, two other riders received warning letters, while three people with legal bikes were offered advice about a free bike marking scheme that can help deter thefts.
Sergeant Dan Butler, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said further enforcement days would follow as it was clear members of the public were overwhelmingly in favour of the action.
He said:
“Throughout the afternoon, we received a lot of positive feedback from the public with many saying they welcomed us seizing the e-bikes.
“The community impact has been massive. People have had enough of these riders whipping around without any regard to people’s safety.
“The complaints have ranged from safety issues in relation to these bikes speeding around on pavements showing a disregard for the safety of pedestrians and other people around the city centre.
“We’ve also had numerous reports of these bikes failing to stop at red traffic lights and using areas where it’s not suitable to ride a bike.
“If I could pass one message on to people who are considering utilising illegal e-bikes and illegal e-scooters in the city, just to let you know if you are seen by the police and you are stopped by the police, we will be seizing your bike.
“It will be extremely difficult for you to get that bike back and rest assured you will be prosecuted for any offences which come to light.
“That’s because we are very determined to get on top of this problem in this city – and that’s as a result of what the public have asked us to do.”
PC Ben King, who helped arrange the day of action, said he was pleased it had been a success. He said:
“There are many people who believe e-bikes are toys but this is not the case. Illegal e-bikes are extremely dangerous to the user and members of the public and that is why we spent the afternoon not just taking enforcement action, but also engaging with riders and educating them about the law.
“The response from members of the public was overwhelmingly positive. Many welcomed the action, saying these bikes had become a persistent nuisance – and so we’re committed to tackling the issue.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said:
“Operations like this one show that neighbourhood policing teams are taking local people’s concerns seriously and acting on them.
“I want to be clear that the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters will not be tolerated, and police will stop riders, seize their vehicle and prosecute them at every opportunity.
“They also need the public’s help in stamping out this issue. I am asking parents not to buy e-bikes or e-scooters for their kids this Christmas – as you could be gifting them with a motoring offence.
“I am also urging people to report issues to their local neighbourhood policing teams, wherever you are across the city and county, so they can get a true picture of the problem and carry out operations at the right time and in the right place to keep our streets safe.”
