City of London seize an illegal e-bike every day

Since it was formed, just over a year ago, the City of London Police’s Cycle Response Unit has seized nearly one illegal e-bike or e-scooter every day.

In the year from July 2023, the Unit has confiscated more than 300 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in the City and issued 1,229 fixed penalty notices for offenses such as going through red lights or putting others at risk.

The unit has been targeting e-bikes which have been modified and illegally converted to have a motor greater than 250 watt and include a throttle that means the rider no longer needs to use the pedals to trigger the power assistance.

E-bikes are not permitted to exceed 15.5mph with the motor cutting out once the maximum speed is reached. Illegal bikes can – and do – go twice as fast as this limit.

The City of London Police decided to get back on their bikes to help fight a number of crimes, including phone and bag snatching and drug offences. 

In the year since its formation, the unit has made 118 arrests, given advice  to 11,325 people and security marked 289 bikes.

In the cyclist’s equivalent of a speed awareness course, riders found jumping red lights or endangering pedestrians and other road users are being invited to attend regular cycling roadshows with refusal resulting in a £50 fine.

Chief Superintendent Bill Duffy, of the City of London Police, said: ‘We relaunched the cycle team following concerns from the community around road safety and anti-social behaviour and it has made a huge difference in the City, as one of our units people see on the streets.

‘Despite being a small team, this dedicated group of officers has made huge strides in education, engagement and enforcement in the Square Mile.

‘Cycle officers are able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and since their relaunch last summer, this team has made a significant difference in reducing anti-social behaviour by road users in the City of London.’