Britons have been warned to follow the electric bike and scooter rules in place across the UK to avoid hefty penalties, as riders risk having them seized by police.
It comes after Merseyside Police arrested a man this week for having an illegal high-powered electric bike, which was being used dangerously in Childwall.
The police responded to reports of a male wearing a balaclava on Queens Drive travelling towards Childwall Fiveways roundabout on an illegal e-bike, which was being ridden at speeds in excess of 30mph.
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The force detailed how the male rider was seen riding the bike "erratically" on pavements and the street towards Allerton Road, as well as overtaking traffic and "showing a complete disregard for other road users".
Police seized the illegal e-bike which was travelling roughly 30mph across the region
|MERSEYSIDE POLICE
Following a police pursuit, the man was detained by police on Arundle Avenue. The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to stop for police.
Sergeant for Roads Policing Jed Ferguson said: "This was a high-powered electric bike which didn’t have any insurance or road tax and was being ridden dangerously with no regard for public safety.
"A legally produced electric-assisted pedal cycle is designed to have a maximum power output of 250 watts and can only reach a legal maximum speed of 15.5mph."
Mr Ferguson explained that the bike seized is a standard pedal mountain bike, but has been modified with a power unit, allowing it to reach speeds in excess of 40mph, and therefore falls under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The police warned that riders of illegal e-bikes will face the same punishment as drivers
|MERSEYSIDE POLICE
He warned that most offences relating to the Road Traffic Act and motorcycles then apply, including driving licences, no insurance, and drink and drug driving limits.
Mr Ferguson added: "Operation Gears is Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of electric and electrically assisted bikes by criminals, who often steal them to travel around Merseyside transporting drugs and weapons.
"While our officers on proactive patrol are always on the lookout for criminality, we also act on any information on the criminal use of such bikes."
He warned that the police will deploy all the "necessary" tactical responses and resources available to help "disrupt those who steal them and use them to commit crime, bring them to justice and seize their vehicles".
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Under UK law, e-bikes must follow certain rules, which include riders being 14 or over, and the bikes being capped at certain speed limits through electric assistance.
E-bikes must also meet specific requirements to be classified as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs).
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, however, 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.
The police have been seizing e-bikes and e-scooters this year, which fail to meet UK regulations
|MERSEYSIDE POLICE
Since January, Merseyside Police has seized more than 500 e-bikes, e-scooters, and scramblers across the region for failing to have insurance or a valid licence.
The police explained that many have also been involved in other serious offences and road traffic collisions.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, who leads Operation Gears for Merseyside Police, said: "The reckless use of e-bikes, off-road motorcycles and e-scooters is more than just a nuisance to communities, they are being used to commit serious criminal activity, including drug supply, weapons offences and violence.
"The public can expect to see various operations targeting two-wheeled vehicles over the summer months and beyond, to provide a visible presence and disrupt offenders."