Battery bike crackdown | Derbyshire cops seize 99 illegal electric two-wheelers in one month

Police in Derbyshire have seized 99 illegal e-bikes, electric mopeds, and scooters across a month of action, with 39 of those machines apprehended in just one day. 

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“E-scooters can only be used on private land, and e-bikes have to meet certain requirements,” Sergeant Jamie Millard said. “Some of the vehicles we seized were a danger to both the rider and those around them, as they were rigged to go at high speeds which also carries a fire risk too.”

As well as not meeting the legal requirements for public road use, urban electric vehicles like this can be involved in criminal activity, including the theft of motorcycles. Illegal use of these machines can also damage the reputation of law-abiding motorbike and scooter riders.

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“These results make it clear that we are taking action against the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters,” Sgt Millard continued. “We hope this action reassures the community of Derby and helps educate potential buyers about the law and risks in the run up to Christmas.”

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The 39 vehicle seizures across a single day took place on Friday, November 29, with officers stopping one machine that had been modified to reach 50mph, with no working brakes. Two arrests were also made for immigration offences.

The Derbyshire force have also now moved to a ‘seize first’ stance on e-scooters – no longer having to issue a warning when stopped for a first offence. Further to this, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have also been granted the power to take the two-wheelers off the streets. 

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“We know e-bikes and e-scooters are a real concern for local people, who report having to jump out of the way of riders going along pavements at high speed,” Millard added, with the force confirming that they will continue their county-wide crackdown following this success.