Police seize 29 illegal e-bikes in Plymouth safety crackdown

Police in Plymouth have seized 29 illegal e-bikes during a targeted operation to improve road safety in the city.

The joint enforcement action, carried out on Tuesday, 5th August, by officers from Roads Policing, Central Neighbourhood, and Plymouth and Exeter Neighbourhood Support Teams, took place on Mutley Plain and Embankment Road. The focus was on identifying and tackling the illegal use of e-bikes on public roads.

Working alongside partner agencies, Devon & Cornwall Police stopped and inspected a number of electric bikes to ensure they met government regulations for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). To be road legal, e-bikes must:

• Have pedals capable of propelling the bike

• Have an electric motor with a maximum continuous power output of no more than 250 watts

• Cut off electrical assistance once the bike reaches 15.5 mph

• Be ridden by someone aged 14 or over

Bikes exceeding these limits are classed as motor vehicles, requiring registration, tax, insurance, a valid driving licence, and the use of a motorcycle safety helmet.

During the operation, 29 e-bikes were found to be in breach of EAPC rules and were seized.

Inspector Emma Brimicombe from the Plymouth Central Neighbourhood Team said:

“The safety of all road users is our priority. With the growing use of high-powered e-bikes, it’s essential that riders understand the legal requirements and the potential risks involved. Operations like this help ensure compliance and protect the public.”

Police are urging anyone using or thinking of buying an e-bike to check the law before riding. They warn that non-compliant use can carry legal penalties and pose serious safety risks.

Officers say members of the public have raised concerns about the dangers of illegal e-bikes, and further operations are planned in Plymouth and other areas across Devon and Cornwall in the coming months.