Hundreds of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized by police across a major region as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
South Yorkshire Police revealed that officers seized around 150 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters across Sheffield for causing a nuisance on the Steel City's streets.
The illegal vehicles have been continuously seized since December last year, with police now warning riders of the consequences of the dangerous transport options.
Under UK law, e-bikes cannot exceed a maximum speed of 15.5mph with the electric motor assisting with anything above this speed, which means they should be classified as a motor vehicle.
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Police have seized 150 e-bikes and e-scooters since December 2024
SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
If the bike exceeds the speed limit, then it must be registered, insured, and taxed, with the rider also having a driving licence and appropriate helmet, with riders also need to be over the age of 14.
E-scooters face even stricter rules, as unless operating in a trial area, they can only be ridden on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or the pavement.
The Department for Transport said: "You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter.
"A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter. If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates when using a rental e-scooter."
E-bikes and e-scooters will face tougher rules under the new measuresPAE-scooters must also have car insurance, with most rental operators supplying this as part of the trial area, however, illegal bikes may not have this.
Inspector Andy Rimmer, of the Sheffield City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are continuing to work to educate people around these potentially dangerous machines, which are still being misused in our city centre.
"Some of the e-bikes we've seized have the potential to reach a staggering 40 mph, and such speed clearly puts pedestrians going about their daily business at risk."
He explained that the force had taken a structured approach to e-bikes and e-scooters with the first stage, "always engagement and education".
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"If you're stopped riding what we think is an illegal electric bike or scooter, we will explain and encourage you to follow the law," he stated.
Rimmer added: "But, as our results show, we do have the power to seize them depending on the circumstances. You, or the parents of anyone under the age of 16, could also be subject to a fine.
"As part of our work around these machines, a 34-year-old man was recently reported on summons to court after being found on an illegally modified e-bike with no insurance or licence."
Rimmer also urged riders to contact officers if they have any questions or concerns about illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
E-scooters can only be used in trial areas across the UKTFLTo help deter the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, the Home Office announced new police powers to seize the vehicles within 48 hours.
It marks a clear change from the current 14-day policy before being able to dispose of a vehicle, making it easier for offenders to reclaim their vehicles and with a limited deterrent to repeat offending.
Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said: "Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to communities across the country, from dangerous street racing to off-road bikes tearing through local parks.
"By enabling police to seize and dispose of these vehicles within just 48 hours, we’re giving our officers the tools they need to deliver immediate results and providing communities the swift justice they deserve."
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