Illegal e-bike that can go 70mph seized from London street

A monster e-bike capable of speeding at up to 70mph has been seized as figures reveal a soaring number of ‘death trap’ e-bikes taken off the roads.

Police forces across the UK confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year to August 11, Freedom of Information figures obtained by the PA news agency show.

In the previous 12 months, they seized 511 illegal e-bikes.

Campaigners have raised the alarm, with Cycling UK saying they are dangerous to other cyclists and pedestrians.

What’s wrong with illegal e-bikes?

First, under UK law e-bike motors must cut out when it reaches a speed of 15.5mph.

However, confiscated bikes have been found to go faster than this, including one seized by the City of London Police.

Officers have also come across bikes powered without the pedals being turned, making the effectively electric mopeds or motorbikes which should be registered and taxed if ridden on roads.

City of London Police seized one bike capable of reaching 70mph which boasted an electronic display suggesting it had travelled more than 6,000 miles – equivalent of the distance from London to Hong Kong.

Another bike was spotted outside London Liverpool Street station during an operation earlier this month.

Its motor had a maximum power output of 500 watts – twice the legal limit – along with severely worn-out tyres and a stack of loose electric wires stored in a soaking wet pouch.

One officer at the scene said it was ‘a death trap,’ adding that ‘this could easily kill him or someone else.’

No action was taken against the rider – a food delivery courier – but his e-bike was taken away and will likely be destroyed.

Conversions kits are sold for as little as £300 online for those willing to turn a blind eye to the risks.

Acting Sergeant Chris Hook, part of the leadership team with the City of London Police cycle unit established last year, said a ‘broad spectrum’ of people use illegally modified e-bikes, including commuters, food delivery workers and criminals snatching phones.

He explained: ‘The high speed and power of these vehicles means they’re ideal for riders to come in, take the phone and get away before the victim knows what’s happened.’

‘The heaviest one I’ve seen was in excess of 50kg. That bike (could reach over) 60mph.

‘If that impacts with somebody, it’s likely to cause either serious injury or, God forbid, death.’

Monica Scigliano, a senior policy officer at Cycling UK, told Metro.co.uk: ‘There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to recognising and purchasing road legal e-cycles.

‘To be considered an e-cycle, you generally need to pedal it for the motor to assist and it needs to cut out at 15.5mph.

‘If you buy an e-cycle and then modify it to go, say, 30mph and then get pulled over, you won’t be charged with modifying your e-cycle; you’ll be charged with riding a motorbike without insurance or a license.

‘These motorbikes are not allowed in cycle lanes or mixed-use paths and pose a risk to both those that walk or cycle.’

Although riders of illegal bikes could – in theory – face prosecution for not having insurance and number plates, often the only action taken is to destroy the vehicle.

Acting Sgt Hook said it ‘keeps them and the public safe,’ and going beyond that ‘doesn’t feel reasonable.’

‘They are a menace’

Sarah Gayton, street access campaign coordinator with the National Federation of the Blind, said illegal e-bikes are ‘a dangerous menace and they need to be off the roads.’

She told Metro.co.uk: ‘They absolutely go through it at speed, they’re just gone in a flash. If everyone trying to cross, but especially blind impaired people, they are such a risk, especially behind bus stops.

‘It’s dangerous for everyone trying to cross, but especially for blind and visually impaired people, and especially behind bus stops.

‘There is a risk with all bikes, but these modified ones add to that risk.