Illegal e-bike seizures surge, posing safety risks
Confiscated e-bikes modified for high speeds, increasing accident risks
Police seizures of illegally modified electric bikes have surged, raising concerns about their safety for pedestrians and riders. An investigation revealed that UK forces confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year ending 11 August, up from 511 the previous year, according to Freedom of Information data.
Many of these e-bikes have been modified to reach much higher speeds. One bike seized in London could reach 70mph and showed it had travelled over 6,000 miles. UK law mandates that e-bike motors must cut out at 15.5mph.
Officers often find e-bikes that can operate without pedalling, classifying them as electric mopeds or motorbikes, which require registration and taxation. Conversion kits for these modifications are available online for as little as £300.
🗣 We hear repeated reports of havoc being caused by the misuse and illegal use of #e-bikes and #e-scooters.
🚨 People in my region are being frightened by masked gangs using the vehiclesbut little action is being taken by the police.
❌ When will the SNP take action. pic.twitter.com/G9tIHrEXZm
— Sue Webber MSP 💜💙 (@SueJWebber) September 20, 2024
Acting Sergeant Chris Hook from City of London Police stated that the speed and weight of these modified e-bikes significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death in collisions. He noted one bike weighing over 50kg and capable of exceeding 60mph, warning of the potential for severe harm in an accident.
Hook mentioned that a variety of people use these illegal e-bikes, including commuters, food delivery workers, and criminals. In a recent operation at Liverpool Street railway station, police apprehended a rider on an illegal e-bike with a 500-watt motor, double the legal limit. The bike also had severely worn tyres and loose electric wires in a wet pouch. An officer described the bike as “a death trap,” capable of causing fatal accidents.
Forces with the most significant increases in e-bike seizures included Wiltshire Police (from 24 to 64), Police Scotland (from 60 to 233), Derbyshire Police (from 4 to 23), Northumbria Police (from 18 to 58), and South Wales Police (from 66 to 137). Some forces indicated their figures included all e-bike seizures, while others specified only illegal e-bikes.
Anyone aged 14 or over can ride an e-bike in the UK, with no need for registration, taxation, or insurance.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News UK reports a significant surge in e-bike seizures by UK police, highlighting concerns over safety and regulation breaches, with many e-bikes reaching lethal speeds despite UK speed limits. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are police seizing e-bikes?
Police are seizing e-bikes because many are illegally modified, making them dangerous for pedestrians and riders.
How many e-bikes were confiscated in the past year?
Police confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year to August 11, compared to 511 the previous year.
What is the legal speed limit for e-bikes in the UK?
Under UK law, e-bike motors must cut out when a speed of 15.5mph is reached.
What are the dangers of illegally modified e-bikes?
Illegally modified e-bikes can reach high speeds and weigh up to 50kg, making them a serious danger in collisions.
Who commonly rides illegally modified e-bikes?
Commuters, food delivery workers, and criminals snatching phones are commonly found riding illegally modified e-bikes.
