Police in South Devon to crack down on 'danger' electric cycles

Police are cracking down on the illegal use of 'E'-bikes which are becoming the scourge of Torbay's pavements and streets.

Special Constables from Devon and Cornwall Police Roads Policing Team have launched a blitz on the illegal use of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs/E-bikes).

Operation Forerunner comes in response to significant concerns from residents about the safety risks posed by these vehicles when modified and/or used improperly. It aims to reduce the illegal use of E-bikes and the associated risks and enhance community safety.

Riders have been reported as travelling at high speeds on pavements and within pedestrian areas, endangering both themselves and others, and there have been numerous reports of accidents and injuries.

During the first recent operation in Plymouth, seven vehicles were seized including illegally modified bicycles with motors enabling them to travel over 40mph.

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

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.”

Devon & Cornwall Police urge all users of these vehicles to adhere to legal requirements and prioritise the safety of themselves and others.

The Government has set out a series of regulations relating to the use of E-bikes. According to current legislation, 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 15.5 mph (25 kph).
• The rider is not under 14 years of age.

Operation Forerunner will be deployed in identified problem areas across the Force with the support of local policing teams, specialist resources including the Commercial Vehicles Unit, Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Tactical Advisors, Regional Organised Crime Unit, and partner agencies including Immigration Enforcement.