Police Seize Two Illegally Modified E-Bikes in Falmouth

Police have seized two illegally modified e-bikes during a targeted operation in Falmouth aimed at tackling dangerous use and improving public safety.

The action followed concerns raised about e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally in the area. Officers deployed police drones to identify riders, while teams on the ground stopped people to carry out safety checks and offer advice on legal and safe use.

In total, officers spoke to 19 riders. Two e-bikes were seized after checks showed they had illegal modifications.

One of the bikes had an unlawful motor fitted, allowing it to be ridden without pedalling and operated using a throttle only.

Collision Prompted Safety Action

Speaking about the operation, PS Owen Messenger, roads policing officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, said:
“Earlier this year, there was a collision involving a woman in her 80s and an e-bike, which understandably had an impact on the local community.

“Thankfully the woman made a full recovery, but it shows just how important it is to run operations like these so that we can continue to educate and deter their unsafe and illegal use.

“Our focus remains on keeping all riders, road users and other members of the public safe. We will continue to carry out activity like this into the new year and beyond.”

Addressing members of the public, Owen added:
“If you’re looking at buying and or gifting an e-scooter or e-bike over the festive season, please make sure know the laws and stick to them.

“If you don’t, you could run the risk of it being seized and destroyed.”

Teams Involved

The operation was led by the Roads Policing team, with support from the Drone Unit and the Falmouth Neighbourhood team.

How to Report Concerns

Anyone who sees an e-scooter being used on public land or an e-bike being used illegally can report it via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. Reports can be made online using the Devon & Cornwall Police reporting page.

If someone is causing immediate danger, members of the public are urged to call 999.

Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers.

What the Law Says about E-bikes and E-scooters

E-scooters

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It is currently not possible to insure privately owned e-scooters. This means it is illegal to ride them on public land, including roads, pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways, parks and car parks. They may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

E-bikes

You can ride an e-bike without a licence or insurance if you are 14 or over, as long as the bike has pedals, a motor with a continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts, and does not provide electrical assistance above 15.5mph.

E-bikes cannot be ridden on pavements and must only be used on cycle paths and places where pedal bikes are allowed.

If an e-bike does not meet these requirements, it is classed as a moped or motorbike. In those cases, it can only be used on the road and requires a valid driving licence, insurance and the use of a motorcycle helmet.