Police say they are stepping up efforts to tackle the growing problem of illegally modified and unsafe e-bikes on our streets.
So far this year, around 100 bikes have already been seized through an ongoing operation aimed at keeping communities safe.
Bikes not reclaimed by their owners — and proven to meet all legal requirements — will now be destroyed to prevent them from re-entering circulation.
This decisive action is about reducing the amount of crime, antisocial behaviour and serious injury collisions e-bikes are involved in.
Inspector Simon Allen said:
“Many people will have seen the types of machines we are talking about whizzing around their communities at dangerously high speeds.
“Most of these are not actually bikes at all – they are motorcycles operating completely independently of any pedal power and travelling far in excess of the 15mph the law allows.
“So, if we catch people riding these machines and they are not meeting all the requirements we expect of people riding motorcycles, we will seize and seek to destroy their bikes as quickly as possible.”
“We can seize anything that is not classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle under law.
This means:
– Any vehicle without pedals capable of propelling it
– Any vehicle with a battery powered output of more than 250 watts
– Any vehicle propelled by battery assistance that can achieve speeds of above 15.5mph
– Any bike that does not meet these standards will need to be registered, taxed and insured as a motor vehicle, and the rider will need an appropriate driving licence and a helmet to ride legally.
“Any offences that are committed – from dangerous driving to driving under the influence – will also be prosecuted in exactly the same way as they would be for any other motorists.”
Inspector Allen added:
“These bikes are a menace to the public and pose a significant risk to riders, pedestrians and other road users.
“That’s because many of these machines – particularly those that have been modified – were simply not designed to travel at the speeds they ware travelling at.
“Their tyres, brakes and suspension can’t cope with the forces they are subjected to and the riders are simply not equipped with the skills or safety gear needed to ride them safely.
“That is why we are seeing more deaths and serious injuries associated with these machines, and why we are now taking more robust action to permanently remove them from circulation.
“So if you are thinking of buying one of these bikes for your children please think again. At best they will be breaking the law and at worst they could cause themselves or others very serious harm. You can also expect to have that bike seized and destroyed by the police.”
Riders of illegal electric bikes could be prosecuted for a wide range of offences, including:
– Illegal use of an electric bike on the road
– Illegal carriage of a pillion passenger
– Riding otherwise than in accordance with a licence
– Driving with no insurance
– Driving with no MOT
– Riding with no helmet (both rider and pillion)
– Speeding
– Not displaying a registration mark
– Drink and drug driving
