DEVON and Cornwall Police have launched an operation to crack down on the illegal use of E-bikes.
Operation Forerunner comes in response to significant concerns from residents about the safety risks posed by these vehicles when modified or used improperly.
The operation aims to reduce the illegal use of E-bikes and the associated risks and enhance community safety.
Riders have been reported as travelling at high speeds on pavements and within pedestrian areas, Devon and Cornwall Police say.
Seven vehicles were seized during the first operation in Plymouth on February 8.
Several riders were reported for various offences including driving otherwise in accordance with a driving licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
‘The presence of E-bikes on pavements and pedestrian areas has caused significant public nuisance with members of the public reporting to feel unsafe and inconvenienced by the reckless behaviour of some riders’ a spokesperson for the Special Constabulary Roads Policing Team said.
‘We have received a number of reports of people having to take evasive action and jump out of the way of these riders as they have been travelling at speed through pedestrianised areas.
‘Several of the modified bikes we seized had motors in excess of 1000W continuous rated power’ the spokesperson added.
Devon and Cornwall Police are urging all users of these vehicles to adhere to legal requirements and prioritise the safety of themselves and others.
The Government has set out a series of regulations relating to the use of E-bikes.
According to current legislation, they can be used on public roads without a licence or insurance provided that: cycles are fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the bike; maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor does not exceed 250 watts; electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches 15.5 mph and that the rider is not under 14 years of age.
Operation Forerunner is being spearheaded by Special Constables from Devon and Cornwall Police Roads Policing Team.