Illegal e-bike seized in Truro after speed camera trip

You are out walking the dog, minding your own business, when something roars past faster than any pedal bike has a right to go. That is the sound that has been getting reported around Truro lately, and this time it ended with an e-bike being taken off the road for good.

What happened in Tregurra

Members of the public raised concerns last week about the way an e-bike was being ridden in the Tregurra area of Truro, with the rider reportedly fast enough to trigger a speed camera. Officers from the Truro Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by Special Constables, tracked down the rider and issued a Section 59 warning for antisocial use of the vehicle. The e-bike was then seized, because it was being ridden without insurance and the rider did not hold the licence the law requires for it.

The seizure took place on Thursday 3 September.

‘A significant danger to other road users’

Inspector Dave Christophers, from the Special Constabulary, said the modifications that push these bikes past their legal limits are what turn them from a handy way to get about into a genuine hazard.

“E-bikes are heavy pieces of equipment and, when illegally modified to exceed the legal speed limit and ridden carelessly, they can pose a significant danger to other road users, pedestrians and the rider themselves,” Dave said. “We take no pleasure in seizing e-bikes, but when they have the potential to cause serious and in some cases life-changing injuries, it is important that we take action. We are here to keep everyone safe and we will continue to be out in our communities doing just that.”

Police are keen to stress that most riders are doing nothing wrong. It is a minority who have illegally modified their bikes or use them carelessly that officers are acting against.

What actually makes an e-bike legal

If you own or are thinking about buying an e-bike, it is worth knowing exactly where the line sits. A legal e-bike only provides electrical assistance up to 15.5mph, after which the motor should cut out and it is down to your own legs. Ride one that has been modified to go faster than that, and it stops being treated as a bicycle in the eyes of the law.

The rules on where you can ride are just as clear. E-bikes cannot be ridden on pavements, and are only allowed on cycle paths or anywhere else a pedal bike is permitted. Full detail on the legal specifications is set out by Devon and Cornwall Police.

What to do if you spot one being ridden illegally

If you think someone is using an e-bike, e-motorbike or e-scooter illegally, you can report it online to Devon and Cornwall Police, or share information completely anonymously through Crimestoppers. If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

It was Special Constables, working alongside the regular Truro team, who caught up with this rider. They are volunteer officers who give their own time to help police Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and the force is still looking for more of them.