Police arrested a teenager after spotting him riding an illegally-modified e-bike in Nottingham’s Old Market Square.
Neighbourhood officers took action after the 17-year-old rode at speed and performed ‘wheelies’ close to members of the public on Wednesday afternoon (12 March).
Upon inspection, the officers found the bike had been modified and that it did not meet the legal requirements for it to be ridden in a pedestrianised area.
Due to this, it is classed under UK law as a motor vehicle.
Checks found the teenager was a disqualified driver and was riding without insurance.
He was therefore arrested and later charged with both offences.
Having reviewed local CCTV, officers believe the same boy had also ridden in a similar manner on a number of occasions earlier in the week.
The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
PC Adam Abid, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said:
“Under current laws, e-bikes are legal to use across the country but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or be capable of travelling faster than 15.5mph.
“This particular e-bike had been modified so that it could reach 44.5mph. This is clearly very dangerous and has no place in a busy pedestrianised area.
“We are committed to tackling illegal riding in the city centre as we understand the impact on shoppers and people going about their daily business.
“I would therefore encourage anyone who witnesses any similar incidents to contact us.”
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