Cleveland Police's Crackdown on Illegal E-Bikes: Sharp Increase in Confiscations Reported...

The number of illegal e-bikes seized by Cleveland Police said to be on the rise....

18th November 2024

Cleveland Police has reported a dramatic increase in the confiscation of illegal e-bikes over the past year.

According to figures obtained from a member of the public, just four illegal e-bikes were seized by the force between August 2022 and August 2023, this number then surged to twenty between August 2023 and August 2024. The sharp rise reportedly highlights the growing challenge of tackling the misuse of e-bikes on Teesside’s streets & how many are said to be being used by criminal gangs to further their illegal activities.

The Rise of Illegal E-Bikes

E-bikes have become a popular mode of transport, particularly among younger people who find them a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to navigate urban areas. However, the rise in their popularity has also led to a surge in both illegal modifications of the E-Bikes themselves as well as being the major factor in what many claim to be the increase in organised crime. Its claimed many users are bypassing safety measures and restrictions to increase their speed, effectively converting their e-bikes into high-powered vehicles that exceed legal speed limits that not only pose significant risks to public safety, but also cause considerable problems for police seeking to pursue the vehicles.

The law in the UK permits e-bikes with a maximum motor power of 250 watts and a top speed of 15.5 mph. Bikes exceeding these specifications are said to be classified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring riders to have a license, insurance, and appropriate safety gear. When these regulations are ignored, it not only makes the rider liable but also puts pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users at risk.

Its claimed the illegal e-bikes have already caused injuries to pedestrians & other motorists across the country

The stark increase in confiscations from four in the previous year to twenty in the most recent reporting period is said to reflect Cleveland Police's intensified efforts to curb the rise of illegal e-bike use. This escalation in enforcement comes in response to growing public concerns about the dangers posed by high-speed e-bikes, which have been involved in a number of accidents and near-misses across the region.

Cleveland Police is said to have been conducting targeted operations in known hotspots across Teesside & County Durham, where illegal e-bike use has become a significant issue. The force's strategy includes community outreach to educate riders on the legal requirements, along with road checks and joint patrols with local councils. These operations aim not only to enforce the law but also to raise awareness about the consequences of riding illegal e-bikes.

The Risks and Impact on the Local Community

The misuse of e-bikes has become a significant safety concern, particularly in densely populated areas of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton, and Redcar following claims there being used primarily for drug couriers to move drugs quickly from one location to another. Riders of illegal e-bikes often engage in criminal activity, with many linked to organised criminal gangs operating across Teesside.

Beyond the safety risks, there is also a financial burden on the public. Accidents involving illegal e-bikes can lead to costly emergency responses and put additional pressure on the already strained resources of Cleveland Police and the NHS.

The significant increase in confiscations reported indicates that Cleveland Police is stepping its efforts to addressing this growing issue. However, critics claim there is still much work to be done.

The rise in numbers suggests illegal e-bike use is far from being under control on Teesside and could continue to escalate if not met with even stricter enforcement and regulatory measures.

There are said to be increasing calls from community leaders and road safety advocates for more stringent laws governing the sale and modification of e-bikes. Suggestions include tighter regulations on retailers, increased penalties for illegal modifications, and more robust safety campaigns to inform the public about the legal requirements and the potential dangers the machines can pose in the wrong hands.