Police have seized at least 50 illegal e-bikes and electric scooters in Sheffield – with some of them reaching speeds of 40mph
By law, electric bikes cannot exceed a maximum speed of 15.5mph with the electric motor assisting. The motor should stop providing assistance when it reaches that speed.
If it doesn’t, and the bike reaches higher speeds, then it is classed as a motor vehicle and must be registered, insured, taxed, and the rider must have a driving licence and appropriate helmet. Anyone under the age of 14 should not be riding an electric bike.
Electric scooters cannot be ridden on a public road, cycle lane or pavement. They can only be legally ridden on private land and where you have the landowner’s permission.
This is because e-scooters are classed as powered transporters and so fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle.
Sergeant Simon Pickering said: “We have been seeing high powered e-bikes and electric scooters being ridden through busy areas of Sheffield city centre at speeds far exceeding the legal limit.
“Staggeringly, some of the e-bikes we have taken into our possession have the potential to reach speeds of 40mph. This puts pedestrians going about their daily business in danger, and we won’t hesitate to exercise our power and seize these illegally modified bikes and scooters.”
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