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E-bike seizures surge as police take ‘death traps’ off the streets

One e-bike seized by police was found to be capable of reaching 70mph as concern grows over how many are being modified using cheap conversion kits.

Police seizures of illegally modified electric bikes have surged across the UK, amid growing concerns that these vehicles pose a significant danger to both pedestrians and riders. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request, 937 e-bikes were confiscated in the year leading up to August 11, a substantial increase from the 511 seized the previous year.

Many of these e-bikes have been altered to reach far higher speeds than the legal limit. One recently seized bike in London was capable of hitting 70 mph and had an odometer showing over 6,000 miles. Under UK law, e-bike motors must disengage once they reach 15.5 mph. However, police frequently encounter modified bikes that can run without pedaling, effectively turning them into electric mopeds or motorbikes, which require registration and taxation.

Conversion kits to modify e-bikes can be bought online for as little as £300, making such modifications accessible.

Acting Sergeant Chris Hook of City of London Police highlighted the severe risks posed by the increased speed and weight of these illegal e-bikes. He explained that a bike weighing more than 50kg and capable of exceeding 60mph could cause serious injuries or even fatalities in a collision.

The illegal use of modified e-bikes spans a “broad spectrum” of riders, from commuters and food delivery workers to criminals using them for theft. During a recent operation outside Liverpool Street station in London, police intercepted a rider using an e-bike with a 500-watt motor, double the legal power limit. The bike also had worn-out tires and loose wiring, prompting officers to label it a “death trap.”

In another instance, a bike confiscated in central London had a 2,000-watt motor and could travel at speeds of 73mph, further illustrating the dangers posed by these illegal modifications.

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