Police have urged people buying e-bikes over Christmas to familiarise themselves with the law after two illegal e-bikes were seized in a targeted operation. The incident highlights the risks of owning or gifting e-bikes that do not meet UK regulations.
The operation in Falmouth involved Devon and Cornwall Police using drones to identify e-bike and e-scooter users. Officers approached riders to carry out safety checks and provide guidance on using them safely and legally.
One bike had an illegal motor, allowing the rider to operate it using only a throttle.
Understanding Illegal E-Bikes and Safety Risks
Sgt Owen Messenger, roads policing officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, said the operations are important “to educate and deter their unsafe and illegal use.”
“Our focus remains on keeping all riders, road users and other members of the public safe,” he added.
The force said it would continue similar activities “into the New Year and beyond,” speaking with 19 riders during the operation. The initiative was led by the Roads Policing team and supported by the Drone Unit and Falmouth Neighbourhood team.
Sgt Messenger advised: “If you’re considering buying or gifting an e-scooter or e-bike over the festive season, make sure you know the laws and stick to them. Otherwise, you risk having an illegal e-bike seized and destroyed.”
What is the Law on E-Bikes and E-Scooters?
E-bikes:
You can ride an e-bike without a licence or insurance if you are 14 or over, provided your e-bike:
Has pedals you can use to propel it
Has a motor with a continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts
Stops providing electrical assistance at 15.5 miles per hour (mph)
E-bikes cannot be ridden on pavements
They must be used only on cycle paths or other areas where pedal bikes are allowed
Riding an illegal e-bike may result in fines, seizure, or destruction
E-scooters:
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988
It is illegal to ride an e-scooter on public land, including roads, pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways, or publicly accessible areas such as parks and car parks
E-scooters may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission
Sgt Messenger emphasized that ensuring e-bikes comply with the law keeps everyone safe. Buying or riding an illegal e-bike not only puts the rider at risk but also poses dangers to other road users and pedestrians.
