Electric bikes and e-scooters seized as police launch crackdown on dangerous riders with fines

On top of the seized modes of transport, 1,229 fixed penalty notices were issued to riders for breaking traffic rules.

This included riding through red lights or putting themselves, other cyclists and pedestrians at risk.

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Police officers have been cracking down on rule breakers who also use e-bikes and scooters to steal phones on the streets as well as other drug and road offences.

In a bid to prevent this, the police cycle team has increased the use of stopping and searching for e-bikes to make sure they are roadworthy.

Since July 2023, the Cycle Response Unit has marked 289 bikes, which can help deter potential thieves as it makes them easily traced if they are stolen.

In addition to offering free bike markings, officers will also work on preventing anti-social behaviour and road offences.

Cyclists who travel through red lights will be sent an invitation to attend a free roadshow taking place between 8am and 10am, but if they refuse to attend, it will result in a £50 fine.

Bill Duffy, Chief Superintendent of the City of London Police, said: “We relaunched the cycle team following concerns from the community around road safety and anti-social behaviour and it has made a huge difference in the City, as one of our units people see on the streets.

“Cycle officers are able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and since their relaunch last summer, this team has made a significant difference in reducing anti-social behaviour by road users in the City of London.”

The 300 seized e-bikes and scooters were taken due to being illegally modified to have a motor greater than 250 watts and include a throttle meaning the rider no longer needs to propel the pedals to trigger the power assistance.

To comply with UK rules, e-bikes must not be fitted with a power source higher than 250 watts and should not be able to travel faster than 15.5mph. If found to exceed this, the police can seize the bike and issue a £300 fine to the rider.

Tijs Broeke, Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, added that the figures show that the Cycle Squad plays an “essential part” in policing the city.

He commented: “The team not only keeps our communities safe but directly addresses some of the force’s priority crime types, like phone snatching.

“We know most people behave responsibly. But the City of London Police will engage with those who do not and seek to educate and enforce where necessary - including issuing fixed penalty fines and seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.”

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E-bikes which meet the UK requirements can qualify as normal pedal bikes. This allows them to be ridden on normal cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.