Illegal E-Bikes Seized from Delivery Riders in London
In the past year, a significant number of illegally modified e-bikes have been confiscated in the City of London, primarily belonging to food delivery riders seeking to enhance their speed. According to Sergeant Stuart Ford, head of the City of London Police’s cycle response unit, these modifications are often made to facilitate quicker deliveries.
Recent statistics from 27 police forces, obtained by the PA news agency, indicate a dramatic rise in e-bike seizures. The increase is attributed to e-bikes being illegally altered to exceed the legal speed limit of 15.5 mph (25 kph), a threshold established under UK law. These figures reveal that 937 illegal e-bikes were seized in the year leading up to August 11, marking an 83% increase from the 511 seized in the previous year.
Sergeant Ford emphasized that these modified e-bikes do not require insurance, and the majority of those seized by his unit were used by delivery personnel. In response, Deliveroo, a prominent food delivery service, stated it would not partner with riders found to be using illegally modified e-bikes.
While the term “e-bike” is often used broadly, it encompasses various types of electric bicycles that fall under different legal categories. Legally compliant e-bikes, known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC), are limited to a motor output of 250 watts and must not surpass the 15.5 mph speed limit. These bikes are treated as standard bicycles, meaning riders are not required to carry insurance.
In contrast, more powerful e-bikes that can reach higher speeds are classified as motorcycles under the law. Operating these vehicles without the proper license is illegal. Modification kits, which can be purchased for as little as £300, allow regular bicycles to achieve speeds of up to 60 mph, further complicating safety and regulatory concerns.
Among the police forces reporting significant increases in seizures were Wiltshire Police (rising from 24 to 64), Police Scotland (from 60 to 233), Derbyshire Police (from four to 23), Northumbria Police (from 18 to 58), and South Wales Police (from 66 to 137). The City of London Police reported the highest number of seizures at 295, although they do not have a direct comparison for the previous year.
Sgt Ford noted that a large proportion of the seized e-bikes were modified by delivery riders. Many of these individuals purchase standard bicycles and then equip them with kits that include unstable batteries, throttles, and rear hub motors, effectively turning them into mopeds. This has raised concerns among the community regarding road safety and anti-social behavior, leading to the establishment of the Cycle Response Unit in July of the previous year.
City of London Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin previously mentioned that there have been numerous reports of near misses, with riders often mounting pavements and disregarding traffic signals. Deliveroo reiterated its commitment to ensuring rider safety, emphasizing the importance of using legal and roadworthy vehicles while adhering to local traffic laws.
Potential Changes to Legislation
There have been ongoing efforts to tighten regulations surrounding cycling, particularly for individuals operating illegal e-bikes. Before the last Parliament concluded, a proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill aimed to establish dangerous cycling as a specific offence, but it was not passed in time.
Iain Duncan Smith, a Tory MP advocating for this change, expressed his determination to continue campaigning for legal reforms. He emphasized the need to integrate cycling regulations into the highway code, making dangerous cycling, which leads to injury or death, prosecutable offences. His goal is to ensure that cyclists recognize they are subject to the same laws as other road users.
Have you encountered illegal e-bikes in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s discuss how we can ensure safer roads for everyone.
RELATED CONTENT
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
