Police issue warning about illegal e-bikes after collision in Swindon
Police believe that an illegal e-bike was being ridden by two young men who collided with a wall at high speed suffering significant facial injuries
Police in Swindon are appealing for witnesses and issuing a warning around illegal e-bikes following a collision last week.
At around 4.30pm on 29 September, officers attended an underpass which runs under Dorcan Way and Eldene Drive and located a broken illegal e-bike and blood at the scene, with no people present.
Following enquiries, it is believed that the bike was being ridden by two young men who collided with a wall at high speed, suffering significant facial injuries.
The e-bike was subsequently seized and was found to be illegally modified, with a sizeable battery and a twist-and-go throttle, capable of going at speeds of upwards of 40mph.
Swindon Inspector Joe Senior said: “The injuries suffered by the two men and the damage caused to the bike indicates the dangers of riding these illegally modified e-bikes.
“The modifications made to this bike essentially turn it into a motorcycle, and the consequences of being in a collision while riding one of these can be life-threatening, particularly if the riders aren’t wearing adequate protective gear, which sadly is rarely the case.
“This is one of the reasons why we are running Op Jetsom, which is a hard line clamp down on anyone seen riding an illegal e-bike or e-scooter. If you are stopped riding one of these illegally, expect to have it seized.”
Police are asking anyone who witnessed this collision or have any information, please contact us by emailing PC Slade at [email protected] quoting reference 54250130972.