'Potentially dangerous' e-bikes seized by police

More than 50 illegal e-bikes and five electric scooters have been seized by police in Sheffield city centre.

South Yorkshire Police said some of the bikes had the potential to reach speeds of 40mph (64km/h).

Sgt Simon Pickering said the "potentially dangerous" vehicles had the capacity to cause serious injury to the rider and pedestrians if ridden in an unsafe way.

He said: "This puts pedestrians going about their daily business in danger, and we won't hesitate to exercise our power and seize these illegally modified bikes and scooters."

By law, electric bikes should not exceed 15.5mph when assisted by an electric motor.

If the motor continues to provide assistance above that speed then it is classed as a motor vehicle and must be registered, insured, taxed, and the rider must have a licence and appropriate helmet.

Anyone under the age of 14 should not be riding an electric bike.

It is also against the law to ride electric scooters on a public road, cycle lane or pavement. They can only be legally ridden on private land with the landowner's permission.

Sgt Pickering added: "We have been seeing high-powered e-bikes and electric scooters being ridden through busy areas of Sheffield city centre at speeds far exceeding the legal limit.

"We have built up our knowledge around these vehicles and the fact we have seized a total of around 55 shows that we won't hesitate to act against riders who are breaking the law and putting other people in danger."

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