A West London crackdown on the use of illegal e-bikes and scooters has seen vehicles seized including one rigged to reach up to 60mph.
Last week, the Metropolitan Police teamed up with officers from Hounslow Council to launch a major enforcement operation. Across two days seven illegal e-bikes were seized.
This included one bike capable of reaching over 60mph – more than four times the legal limit. Three e-scooters were also seized.
Several bikes were also found with unregulated and high-powered motors. These modifications can pose a serious risk to riders themselves and members of the public
The enforcement campaign comes as the number of illegal e-bikes used across London has risen sharply. These are often ridden at high speed in town centres and often on the pavement.
The bikes were seized on Hounslow High Street and Chiswick High Road – both hotspots for shoppers and pedestrians. Hounslow Council says it intentionally targeted these areas for their high footfall and known delivery hotspots.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, said: “Illegal e-bikes put lives at risk. These operations show how closely the council and the police are working together to keep people safe.
“We urge all riders to make sure their e-bikes meet legal standards and are used responsibly on our roads.”
Cllr Dunne has also issued her support for a campaign launched by London Councils which calls for urgent government action. She argues that “councils cannot tackle this alone”.
Next month, the council will launch an illegal e-bikes awareness campaign in an attempt to help residents and riders “better understand how to identify a legal e-bike” and the risks associated with illegal ones. The council will also work alongside major food delivery companies to tackle the issue.
PC Mustafa Jameel at Metropolitan Police added: “Our joint operations with Hounslow Council last week resulted in several illegal e-bikes being taken off the streets. Many were fitted with unsafe or high-powered motors. These e-bikes break the law and endanger riders and the wider public. We will continue these joint enforcement efforts across the borough.”
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