In a determined effort to tackle the proliferation of illegal e-bikes on the streets, the City of London Police executed two targeted operations last week, resulting in the seizure of 26 unauthorized electric bicycles.
The operations, conducted around the Bishopsgate and Aldgate areas, saw the force’s cycle team working in tandem with the Road Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing officers. Over two separate four-hour shifts on Wednesday 1 May and Thursday 2 May, the team issued 10 fixed penalty notices as part of their intensive crackdown.
The focus of these operations is to intercept and examine e-bikes to ensure they meet legal road standards. However, the seized e-bikes discovered during the operations had been illegally modified. They were found to have motors exceeding the legal limit of 250 watts and included a throttle function, enabling riders to accelerate without pedalling. This unauthorized modification poses significant safety risks, with some of these bikes capable of reaching speeds nearly double the legal limit of 15.5mph.
Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin MBE, leading the initiative, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “We are addressing several 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.”
Highlighting the dangers posed by these illegal e-bikes, Chief Superintendent Atkin recounted a particularly alarming find: “One of the vehicles we’ve seized can clock a speed of 56mph.”
The City of London Police has been proactive in its response to the surge in anti-social behaviour linked to e-bikes. Last summer, the force relaunched its cycling capability to tackle various offences, including phone snatching, drug-related activities, and road offences. The Cycle Response Unit, established in July of the previous year, has been instrumental in issuing 944 fixed penalty notices to date, targeting individuals who flout traffic regulations and endanger both themselves and pedestrians.
The rigorous enforcement measures underscore the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users within the Square Mile, affirming their dedication to combatting anti-social behaviour and maintaining order on the streets.
