Carlisle Delivery Driver’s Illegal E Bike Seized By Police
Police in Carlisle have seized an illegal electric bike being used by a delivery driver after officers spotted the rider travelling at around 20mph without pedalling.
Officers were themselves travelling on road legal electric bikes when they noticed the delivery rider. Police said the rider was travelling at approximately 20mph while using a hand throttle and had not pedalled once.
The officers followed the rider and caught up with him, after which the bike was seized and the rider was dealt with appropriately.
Police said the seized bike will now be crushed, highlighting the ongoing enforcement action against illegally powered electric bikes being used on Carlisle’s roads and other public areas.
Under UK rules, a road legal electrically assisted pedal cycle must meet specific requirements, including having pedals capable of propelling the bike and an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts. Electric assistance must also cut off once the bike reaches 15.5mph.
Bikes that can operate through a throttle without the required pedalling or exceed the permitted limits can fall outside the rules for electrically assisted pedal cycles. Such vehicles can require registration, insurance and a driving licence, depending on their classification.
The Carlisle incident comes amid increased attention on the use of illegal electric bikes across the UK. Police forces have been carrying out more enforcement operations as concerns grow over high speed machines being used on roads and pavements.
Recent figures have shown a significant rise in the number of illegal bikes being seized by police forces across the country, with enforcement activity increasingly focusing on modified and high powered machines.
For delivery riders, the issue is particularly relevant because electric bikes can provide a convenient way to travel around busy towns and cities. However, riders using machines that do not meet legal requirements can face enforcement action and have their vehicles seized.
The Carlisle operation also demonstrates how police officers can identify potentially illegal bikes while carrying out routine patrols. In this case, officers noticed the rider's speed and use of the hand throttle before stopping him.
Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report unsafe or illegal use of electric bikes and scooters. Police say enforcement is intended to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
The seized bike will now be removed from use, bringing the incident to a close while reinforcing the consequences for riders using vehicles that do not meet the legal requirements.
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