Police Seize Illegal E-Bike and E-Motorbike in St Austell

E-Bike Hits 35mph: Police Seize Vehicles in St Austell

Police officers in St Austell have seized an illegally modified e-bike and an e-motorbike following proactive patrols in the town last week.

The action comes as part of an ongoing response to concerns from the community about e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motorbikes being used in a dangerous and unlawful way.

Vehicles Seized During Patrols

An e-motorbike was seized early last week after officers carried out a plain clothes operation to identify riders using electric vehicles unsafely or illegally. The bike had been ridden on the pavement.

Later in the week, a PCSO on patrol in the town seized an e-bike after spotting an illegal motor fitted to it. The motor had been held together with bright yellow tape and meant the bike could reach speeds of up to 35mph.

Police Warning on Safety Risks

Speaking about the seizures, PS Martin Easter, from the St Austell Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“We don’t get joy from seizing these expensive bits of kit off people, but when the safety of other road users and pedestrians, or even the riders themselves is at risk, it’s important that we take action to protect the public.

“The e-motorbike was seized early last week after we ran a plain clothes operation to identify riders using e-modes of transport unsafely or illegally. These vehicles can reach speeds up to 60 mph, so using them on foot or cycle paths poses a real risk of serious injury.

“The e-bike was seized later on in the week after a PCSO on patrol in the town spotted an illegal motor fitted to the bike, held together with bright yellow tape. This modification meant it could reach speeds of up to 35mph.”

Reminder of the Law

Police have also highlighted the rules around using these types of vehicles.

E-bikes must not be ridden on pavements and are only allowed on cycle paths or in places where pedal bikes are permitted.

E-motorbikes can only be used on the road and require a valid driving licence and insurance.

Ongoing Work in the Community

Martin added that the aim of this work is to keep people safe:

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe in our communities.

“Our team will continue to educate people around how to use these vehicles safely and in line with the law, and carry out proactive work like this to target those who actively choose to break it.”

Police say most riders use e-bikes and e-motorbikes responsibly, with action being focused on the minority who break the law or modify vehicles illegally.

How to Report Concerns

Members of the public who suspect illegal use of e-bikes, e-motorbikes or e-scooters are encouraged to report it.

You can report online via the police website: Report | Devon & Cornwall Police

If there is an immediate danger, call 999.

Information can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers.

For more details on the rules around electric bikes and scooters, visit: What you need to know: electric bikes | Devon & Cornwall Police.