A major authority has launched a crackdown on illegally modified e-bikes, with riders facing hefty penalties and immediate crushing of seized bikes.
During an operation, West Midlands police officers seized 16 e-bikes and issued fines to their riders for improper use on UK roads.
The action targeted bikes that had been illegally modified to reach speeds of up to 40mph, which marks a sharp increase from the legal limits of 12.5mph.
The operation involved plain clothes officers working alongside uniformed city centre colleagues to catch rulebreakers.
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The police seized roughly 16 e-bikes across the region for improper use
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
As part of the operation, all seized bikes will now be crushed, the police confirmed, with the move hoping to deter other riders from similar infringements.
The operation also included Paradise security staff and representatives from Central and Colmore Business Improvement Districts, who had raised concerns about dangerous e-bike use in the area.
Officers stopped riders to check whether their bikes complied with legal requirements, with riders found with illegally modified vehicles facing immediate action.
The enforcement action followed weeks of engagement between police and city centre businesses, including takeaways and delivery companies.
Officers had previously focused on educating riders about the law and the impact of dangerous riding on the city centre before issuing any official measures.
Inspector Scott Taylor from Birmingham Police warned that dangerous e-bike use had become a major problem in the city centre.
"Partners, businesses and pedestrians are telling us they feel it's only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured," he said.
Taylor added: "We've been out educating riders on the law and the impact dangerous riding is having on the city centre, and tonight's operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those flouting the rules."
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Riders caught with illegally modified e-bikes can be issued hefty fines
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
He warned police would be taking more action over the coming weeks, with anyone who ignores the law finding their bike seized with a subsequent fine issued, as well as a court date.
Under UK law, e-bikes must meet specific requirements to be classified as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). Riders must be 14 or over, and the bikes cannot exceed certain speed limits through electric assistance.
If an e-bike doesn't meet EAPC definitions, it's classified as a motorcycle or moped. This means it must be registered, taxed, and insured, and riders need a valid licence.
Legal EAPCs don't require registration, tax, insurance, or a licence and can be used on cycle paths and anywhere pedal bikes are permitted, but cannot be ridden on pavements.
E-bike riders can face prosecution for failing to follow traffic rulesPAThe illegally modified bikes seized in Birmingham had been altered to reach speeds far beyond legal limits, automatically disqualifying them from EAPC status and making them subject to motorcycle regulations.
The Sight Loss Council, which supported the operation, highlighted particular dangers for blind and partially sighted people navigating city streets.
Louise Connop from the Sight Loss Council explained: "E-scooters and e-bikes have added additional barriers because of their high speeds and low noise.
"We can also be impacted by illegal pavement riding, and inappropriate parking, such as in the middle of the pavement, which causes trips and falls."
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