Two illegal electric bikes have been seized in separate incidents in Wiltshire as part of a police operation targeting dangerous unlicensed vehicles.
During proactive patrols in the Redhouse area of Swindon last week, neighbourhood officers stopped a group of young people riding e-bikes that had been illegally adapted from standard bicycles.
The bikes had been fitted with throttle controls and powerful motors using conversion kits purchased online.
This meant they were capable of speeds and power outputs beyond the legal limits for electric bikes in the UK.
As they cannot be insured or registered for road use, the bikes were seized and will not be returned to their riders.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Electric bikes must have pedals to propel them, with the pedals in motion for electric assistance to work.
“They must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and must not provide assistance over 15.5mph.
“They must also display the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed.”
In a separate incident on Friday (8 August), the Specials Road Safety Unit stopped an e-bike in Melksham that officers suspected was not compliant with regulations.
On inspection, the pedals had been disabled and the bike was fitted with a high-powered motor, allowing it to travel at speeds similar to a moped.
As the bike no longer met the criteria for an electrically assisted pedal cycle, it was legally classed as a motor vehicle.
This meant it required registration, insurance and a valid driving licence – none of which the rider had. The rider was reported for multiple offences and the bike was seized under police powers.
Both seizures were made under Operation Jetsom, a countywide initiative to remove dangerous, uninsured and illegally modified vehicles from Wiltshire’s roads.
Officers say further patrols and targeted enforcement will continue in the coming weeks.
