are seen as a growing problem for various reasons

• they are faster than we think, e-bike capable of 100kmph seized
• they are silent
• they can move unpredictably
• get used for theft/crime like phone snatching

Police confiscate many illegally used e-bikes during traffic checks.

Currently UK sellers of speed pedelecs e-bikes are not obliged to confirm that a purchaser holds a valid moped or motorcycle licence. This needs to become a legal requirement. In addition the seller should record the buyer name, address, insurance & tax details before the purchaser can complete the purchase

Many couriers use them, but not all are legal. The problem may be for the courier that they unwittingly purchase an e-bike but don’t ride it legally and it gets confiscated suddenly.

Legal Framework

Electric bikes and rules for riding them

You can ride an electric bike, or an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC), without a license or insurance if you’re 14 or over.

An electric bike:

• must have pedals that you can use to propel it
• can have more than two wheels, for example a tricycle
• must have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts
• must have no electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 miles per hour (mph)

If your electric bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped.

There is more information on what’s required to ride your electric bike legally on GOV.UK.

Wee also important warning about committing vehicle nuisance involving e-bikes.

Met Police | GOV.UK