'Could an illegal e-bike kill someone? Absolutely'

A police force has pledged to take a "zero tolerance" approach towards illegally modified electric bikes, which officers say endanger the lives of pedestrians.

Suffolk Police said it was cracking down on the use of the souped-up bikes that had been increasingly spotted whizzing around at high speeds in town centres.

Electric bikes must meet certain criteria or they become classed as motorcycles or mopeds, meaning they must be registered, taxed and insured to be considered legal.

When asked if modified bikes could seriously harm or even kill someone, PC Matthew Dilks, who has been leading the police's e-bike awareness campaign, said: "Absolutely."

"These more powerful bikes are going at increased speeds and they also weigh significantly more than a normal bike," he added.

"Thankfully, we've not had any serious injuries to anybody, but that is a good enough reason to make sure that never happens and we get these bikes off of the roads.

"It's all in the interests of keeping people safe."

Mr Dilks was talking to the BBC after a patrol through Ipswich town centre, which resulted in the seizure of "the most illegal" e-bike so far from a young student.

He assured the officer "it was not fast", and when asked by the BBC if he believed it could pose a danger to members of the public he said: "No."

However, upon inspection it was found to be kitted out with a 1,000 watt motor, which is four times the 250 watts allowed, and a top speed of 28km/h (17.4mph) when the legal limit is 25km/h (15.5mph).

"If an electric bike does not meet the standards then they are technically classed as motorcycles," said Mr Dilks.

"They therefore need to be insured and registered and the rider needs to wear a crash helmet.

"You can have a normal mountain bike that has had a battery and a motor retrofitted to it that is completely illegal because it is too powerful and goes too fast."

The force's official crackdown and awareness campaign comes after concerns were raised by members of the public and local councillors.

Since then, the likes of Mr Dilks and PC Lewis Finch have engaged with shoppers and businesses, and educated e-bike riders on what is legal and what is not.

In the last week alone they have confiscated six bikes.

Some riders claimed to be unaware they were riding an illegally modified bike – but that was no excuse, said the officers.

"Just like vehicle drivers, some people take responsibility and some buy these bikes without double checking and making sure they are legal," said Mr Finch.

"As always there are some people who are honestly going about their day and some who are consciously not following the rules.

"Either way it is important for us to educate, make sure we are strict, and have a zero tolerance approach to make sure members of the public are kept safe."

The government has set out rules to help riders class their bike.

If the bike meets the following specifications, then tax, insurance and a driving licence will be needed:

• Can be propelled at more than 15.5mph (25km/h) by the motor

• Has a continuous rated power output higher than 250 watts

• Does not have pedals that can propel it

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