Skip advert
Advertisement

Police seize hundreds of “death trap” e-bikes used to mount pavements and run red lights

In the past year, police forces across the UK have confiscated almost 1,000 electric bikes, many of which have been illegally modified

E-bike handlebars

If you’ve ever wondered why your takeaway food arrived so quickly at your front door, there could be a simple answer – the delivery rider used a dangerously modified e-bike.

A Freedom of Information request by PA Media has revealed that police forces across the UK have confiscated hundreds of what have been described as “death traps”, of which the “vast majority” are used for deliveries.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Data showed that in the year leading up to August 2024, 27 forces seized a total of 937 electric bikes – a huge leap up from 511 in the preceding 12 months.

Under UK law, electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, must not have a power output exceeding 250 watts (roughly 0.3bhp in car-related terms) and cannot exceed 15.5mph. 

However, forces are now regularly confiscating bikes which have been modified to travel a lot faster than the law permits; one, recently seized by the City of London Police, could reach speeds of up to 70mph. 

And the process to modify them is becoming increasingly straightforward, with conversion kits widely available online for as little as £300.

Some e-bikes have also been modified to negate the need to use the pedals, transforming them, in the eyes of the law, to something more akin to an electric moped, thus requiring registration and taxation – not to mention a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course certificate, as a bare minimum.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The huge rise in the number of e-bikes on our roads is continually placing not only drivers in danger, but pedestrians too. The City of London Police’s Acting Sergeant, Chris Hook, remarked that “the heaviest [e-bike] I've seen was in excess of 50kg. That bike [could reach over] 60mph. If that impacts somebody, it's likely to cause either serious injury or, God forbid, death”.

Sergeant Stuart Ford of the City of London Police told the BBC’s Today programme that the “vast majority” of these modified e-bikes were used for deliveries. He said: “They’ll buy a normal bike, and then they’ll buy a kit online of batteries – which are unstable in a lot of cases – throttles and rear hub motors that will turn them into mopeds.”

To combat the scourge of what one officer has branded as “death traps”, the City of London Police set up a dedicated Cycle Response Unit in July last year. Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin previously said: “We are addressing a number of complaints from members of the public who have voiced concerns about these vehicles. Some people have told us that they have nearly been hit and have seen riders mount pavements and run through red lights.”

Are e-bikes a menace? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025