E-bike riders breaking law by 'accident', says Sussex Police
295 illegal e-bikes and scooters were sized by the force last year.
More awareness is needed to stop people buying illegal e-bikes and scooters, Sussex Police say.
It follows an Freedom of Information Request finding that 295 of them were sized by the force last year.
Inspector Vicki Rees explained that it can be difficult to tell legal and illegal bikes apart - and often, people are breaking the law without realising it:
" Electrically assisted bikes are lawful.
"What you can't do is adapt them so that they exceed the parameters of that legislation. S
"People are buying kits online, from websites or other sources, which then take them beyond the boundaries of legality.
"We're finding a lot of quite high-powered bikes being ridden around on the roads, which then fall into the categories of motorcycles.
"If you're going to ride one of those, then you need to comply with all the usual legislation around motorcycles. So insurance, tax, wearing a helmet and having a proper license.".
She advised sticking to reputable retailers if you're planning to purchase a bike.
However, the statistics also showed a drop in road traffic collisions - which Rees says "hopefully people are starting to understand" the dangers.
The statistics come as e-scooters could this year be trialed for public use in Brighton and Hove.
Riders would need to be 17 with a provisional licence, the council says.