Police have seized an illegally modified e-bike after its rider attempted to evade an inspector who was out on patrol.
Inspector Andy Lemon and PC Higton stopped the rider in The Avenue, Wilton, while part of Operation Ragwort on Tuesday 8 September.
The officers were carrying out patrols as part of the rural crime operation when the rider attempted to flee from them.
Police said the e-bike was fitted with an 864-watt motor, which they described as far exceeding the legal output limit of 250 watts.
The rider was reported for having no insurance and no driving licence. They will be summonsed to court, while police said the seized e-bike will not be returned.
Under government rules, an electric bike must meet the requirements for an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) to be treated in the same way as a conventional bicycle.
It must have pedals capable of propelling it and its electric motor must have a maximum continuous rated power output of 250 watts.
Electrical assistance must also cut off when the bike reaches 15.5mph.
People aged 14 and over can ride a compliant EAPC without a driving licence, and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
E-bikes which do not meet the EAPC requirements are classed as motorcycles or mopeds and must meet the relevant rules for those vehicles.
This means they must be registered and taxed, while riders need an appropriate driving licence and insurance. A motorcycle helmet meeting legal safety standards must also be worn.
Non-compliant e-bikes cannot legally be ridden on cycle paths or cycle lanes.
Police have warned that high-powered e-bikes can be easily purchased online, but this does not mean they are legal to use on public roads.
People considering buying an e-bike are urged to check that it complies with legislation before using it.
More information is available at www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules.
