People caught on illegal e-bikes in Nottingham city centre are receiving hefty sentences at court.
Numerous offenders have been sentenced in recent days, with some having to pay over £1,000 and receiving eight points on their driving licence.
Officers on the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team launched a crackdown on illegal riding – called Operation Wrangel – after members of the public voiced their frustration at how fast riders were going in pedestrianised areas.
The operation was launched in November and is particularly targeting illegal e-bikes as feedback from the public suggests they are the biggest two-wheeled nuisance.
Under UK law, e-bikes must comply with UK Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) regulations, including a 15.5 mph speed limit and a motor power of no more than 250W.
Non-compliant models are classified as motor vehicles, requiring insurance, taxation and a valid licence.
Officers are using a compact dynamometer to test the top speed of e-bikes in order to catch those failing to comply with the law.
In recent weeks, six people have been sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court having had illegal e-bikes seized as part of Operation Wrangel.
They include:
- Mohamed Badday, 37, of Devon Street, St Ann’s, Nottingham. Fined £120 and handed eight penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
- Tariq Ismael, 39, of Alfreton Road, Radford. Fined £660 and handed eight penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
- Albanna Amr Mohammed Attia, 27, of Berridge Road West, Arboretum, Nottingham. Fined £440 and handed six penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and failing to stop at a red light. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £176 victim surcharge.
- Elias Adam, of Meadow Road, Beeston. Fined £660 and handed six penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
- Najmuddeein Mustafa, 19, of Francis Street, Arboretum. Fined £660 and handed six penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
- Abebe Beyene Biesaw, 29, of Burnham Street, Sherwood, Nottingham. Fined £120 and handed six penalty points after pleading guilty to using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He must also pay £120 prosecution costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
PC Ben King, of Operation Wrangel, said the rise of modified e-bikes posed significant safety risks and that officers will continue taking a zero tolerance approach. He said:
“Many riders unknowingly breach EAPC rules by using aftermarket tuning kits, which nullify insurance and escalate legal liability.
“Sadly, we continue to encounter riders who fall foul of the law and they have now received hefty fines in the courts, along with penalty points on their licence.
“Hopefully these outcomes will deter others from riding illegally in the city centre. The public are fed up of having to take evasive action and jump out of the way of riders travelling at speed through pedestrianised areas, so we will continue taking enforcement action in order to keep people safe.”
