Nottinghamshire Police have cracked down on illegally modified electric bikes across the city centre, which were found to breach numerous safety rules.
The police confiscated seven e-bikes during an enforcement operation this week, targeting riders who had altered their vehicles to exceed legal power and speed restrictions.
Officers concentrated their efforts on known problem locations, including Trinity Square, Milton Street, Hockley and Old Market Square, where complaints about dangerous riding had been mounting.
The crackdown came in response to growing public concerns about riders endangering pedestrians by speeding along pavements and through areas designated for foot traffic.
Food delivery workers were among those caught with illegally modified bicycles equipped with throttles and enhanced motors during the afternoon operation.
Each rider whose bicycle was confiscated received a Traffic Offence Report, a formal document similar to a court summons that records the incident and notifies them of pending charges.
Two additional riders were given warning letters, while officers provided crime prevention advice to three cyclists with legal machines about a complimentary bicycle marking programme designed to discourage theft.
The operation revealed widespread use of electric bicycles that had been altered to travel beyond the permitted 15.5mph maximum speed, with some featuring unauthorised throttle controls.
The police discovered multiple cases of e-bikes exceeding the 15mph speed limit
|NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
Officers discovered multiple violations among food delivery couriers working for companies, including Deliveroo, who were operating machines with motors exceeding the legal 250-watt power restriction.
The formal documentation issued to offenders creates a permanent record on police databases and initiates prosecution proceedings for traffic violations.
Monday's enforcement formed part of an ongoing campaign to address mounting safety concerns from residents and businesses about reckless cycling in pedestrian zones.
In the UK, riders aged 14 and above can legally operate electrically assisted pedal cycles on roads and cycle paths, but not on pavements.
However, the seized machines found by the police had been modified with more powerful motors and batteries, transforming them into vehicles that legally qualify as motorcycles or mopeds.
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The operation specifically targeted illegal e-bikes in the city centre
|NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
Such alterations mean the bicycles require registration, taxation, insurance and a valid driving licence to operate, with riders also obligated to wear approved motorcycle helmets.
Members of the public had reported numerous incidents of electric bicycles being ridden at dangerous speeds on pavements, with riders showing complete disregard for pedestrian safety.
Complaints also included reports of cyclists ignoring red traffic signals and using inappropriate areas for cycling, creating hazards throughout the city centre.
Sergeant Dan Butler from the City Centre neighbourhood policing team said the community response had been "overwhelmingly positive", with residents expressing relief that action was being taken."Throughout the afternoon, we received a lot of positive feedback from the public with many saying they welcomed us seizing the e-bikes," he stated.
The majority of seized e-bikes were from delivery riders
|NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE
He added: "The community impact has been massive. People have had enough of these riders whipping around without any regard for people's safety."
PC Ben King, who organised the enforcement day, emphasised that illegal electric bicycles pose serious dangers to both users and the public, noting that the operation combined enforcement with rider education.
"Many people believe e-bikes are toys, but this is not the case," he explained, highlighting the commitment to addressing what had become a persistent nuisance.
Sergeant Butler issued a stark warning to those considering using illegal machines: "If you are seen by the police and you are stopped by the police, we will be seizing your bike."