Key facts
- Police seizures of e-bikes rose by 83% in the 12 months to May 19.
- A total of 7,049 illegal e-bikes were confiscated across the UK.
- This represents a significant increase from 3,858 seizures in the prior year.
- Calls for new legislation have been made due to the dangerous use of these vehicles.
- Illegal e-bikes are associated with criminal activity and serious accidents.
Police seizures of illegal e-bikes have surged by 83% in the UK over the past year, with forces confiscating 7,049 such vehicles in the 12 months leading up to May 19. This marks a substantial increase from the 3,858 seizures recorded in the preceding year, according to data obtained by the Press Association through freedom-of-information requests.
The alarming rise has prompted calls from police, politicians, and charities for stricter laws to curb the use of these dangerous vehicles. Sergeant Stuart Ford of the City of London Police described illegal e-bikes as "a menace," highlighting their use in criminal activities such as phone theft, muggings, and drug dealing. Labour MP Julie Minns is campaigning for illegal e-bikes and conversion kits to be banned, urging the government to classify them as "unsafe products" due to their danger to the public and their role in facilitating crime.
Under UK law, legal e-bikes, known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), have specific safety regulations, including a maximum motor power of 250 watts and a speed cut-off at 15.5mph. However, many confiscated e-bikes have been illegally modified to reach speeds exceeding 70mph, effectively making them unregistered and uninsured motorbikes or mopeds. While legal e-bikes are widely sold by major retailers, illegal machines are often purchased online, with conversion kits available for under £300.
Thirty-one police forces provided comparable data, with the Metropolitan Police recording the highest number of seizures at 2,367. Other forces with significant seizures include Leicestershire Police (661), Police Scotland (585), and Thames Valley Police (425). Notably, 11 police forces experienced more than a doubling of seizures year-on-year. Operations targeting illegal e-bike use have led to arrests for drug offenses, with one incident in Cardiff resulting in the discovery of approximately £1,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin.