E-bikes seized as police tackle illegal use

Police have seized seven e-bikes in the first of a series of operations tackling people using them illegally.

Operation Forerunner is a response to "significant concerns" from residents about the safety risks posed by the vehicles when modified or misused.

Devon and Cornwall Police said riders travelling at high speeds on pavements and within pedestrian areas, as well as numerous accidents and injuries have been reported.

The force urged all users of the vehicles to obey legal requirements and prioritise the safety of themselves and others.

During the first operation in Plymouth on 8 February, the Roads Policing Team seized seven bikes including some which had been illegally modified to allow them to travel over 40mph (64km/h).

Several riders were also reported for various offences including driving otherwise in accordance with a driving licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

The government regulations on e-bikes state they can be used on public roads without a licence or insurance provided that:

• Cycles are fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the bike.
• Maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor does not exceed 250 watts.
• Electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches 15.5mph (25km/h).
• The rider is not under 14 years of age.

A spokesperson from the Special Constabulary Roads Policing Team said: "The presence of e-bikes on pavements and pedestrian areas has caused significant public nuisance with members of the public reporting to feel unsafe and inconvenienced by the reckless behaviour of some riders.

"We have received a number of reports of people having to take evasive action and jump out of the way of these riders as they have been travelling at speed through pedestrianised areas.

"Several of the modified bikes we seized had motors in excess of 1000W continuous rated power."

The force said the operation would be deployed in identified problem areas across the region with the support of local policing teams.

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