94 e-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown in Cambridge
One of the e-bikes seized could reach speeds more than three times the legal limit
Cambridgeshire Police have seized 94 e-bikes and e-scooters as part of a crackdown against their unlawful use across the city.
Neighbourhood officers led a the three-day operation, aimed at tackling the increasing number of privately owned e-scooters, and non-compliant electric bikes being used on public roads, pavements, and cycle paths – posing risks to both riders and pedestrians.
One of the e-bikes seized could reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour—more than three times the legal limit for assisted e-bikes.
Among the seizures were several illegally modified Eskutas which were being used by food delivery riders in the city.
The team were joined by staff from Eskuta, who were checking bikes for modifications, as well as members of the Home Office’s Immigration Compliance and Enforcement team, who spoke to delivery riders about their immigration status and right to work in the UK.
Current UK Law states that e-scooters are only legal to use on public roads if they are part of a government-approved rental trial like Voi in Cambridge. E-scooters which are privately owned can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. Any use outside these conditions is illegal and subject to enforcement.
For Electric Bikes or electronically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), to be legal they must meet specific legal criteria. These include; pedals that can propel the bike, a motor with a maximum power output of 250W and a top assisted speed of 15.5mph.
Any e-bike that exceeds these specifications is legally classified as a moped or motorcycle, requiring registration, insurance, a driving licence, and the use of a helmet.
Inspector Shawn Emms, from the Cambridge neighbourhood team, is warning riders that ignorance of the law is no excuse and there will be no second chances when caught.
He said: “Our previous approach focussed on officers taking an ‘engage and educate’ approach, but frequent reports of reckless riding and concern from members of the public have led us to take enforcement action. We’ve listened to the concerns of residents and visitors to the city and taken action to address the illegal and unsafe use of these vehicles.
“We understand it can be a confusing picture when you can see e-scooters being ridden as part of official schemes where you have to register using your driving license. It is also unhelpful that they can be purchased so easily in shops and online but our priority is keeping people safe and ensuring road users understand the law.
In addition to enforcement, officers continue to deliver education sessions in schools and engage with parents to raise awareness about the legal requirements before using them in public spaces.