A modified electric bike has been seized by Northamptonshire Police after officers caught the rider illegally using a throttle to reach speeds of 30mph uphill.

Unusual Sight Raises Police Suspicion

The Northamptonshire Roads Policing Team (Northants RPT) reported that officers stopped the rider after noticing their bike accelerating uphill far faster than expected for a standard pedal-powered bicycle.

In a post on social media, officers joked:
“Interesting for the police to see someone pedalling uphill at 30mph… must be training for the Tour de France!

E-Bike Modifications and Offences

Upon inspection, officers discovered the bike was fitted with:
A 1,000-watt motor (exceeding legal power limits)
A throttle, making it function like a motorcycle rather than a pedal-assisted bike
No insurance, required for powered vehicles
A provisional licence, meaning the rider was not legally allowed to operate the vehicle on public roads

Legal Requirements for E-Bikes in the UK

In the UK, electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) are only legal if they:
Have a maximum motor power of 250W
Do not have a throttle-only function
Have a speed limit of 15.5mph
Require pedal assistance for the motor to function

Any e-bike exceeding these limits is classified as a motor vehicle, requiring insurance, tax, registration, and a full driving licence to be legally ridden on public roads.

Consequences for the Rider

The bike was seized under road traffic legislation, and the rider faces potential fines and points on their licence for operating an uninsured and unregistered vehicle.

Northants RPT reminded the public:
“If your e-bike has a throttle or a motor over 250W, it’s no longer an electric bicycle – it’s a motor vehicle. That means you need a licence, insurance, and proper registration to ride it legally on the road.”

Crackdown on Illegal E-Bikes

With the rising popularity of high-powered e-bikes, police forces across the UK are increasing enforcement action against illegally modified vehicles. Riders are urged to check their e-bike specifications to ensure they comply with UK road laws.

For more information on electric bike regulations, visit Gov.uk.