Warning about illegally modified electric bikes after Leeds man killed in crash
A 22 year old man has been sentenced for causing the deal of 51-year-old Vincent Cullinane - who was struck by an electric bike in 2022
Last updated 11th Mar 2025
West Yorkshire Police have issued a warning about illegally modified electric bikes, as a man is sentenced for causing the death of a Leeds man who was struck by one of the vehicles.
51-year-old Vincent Cullinane was fatally injured in Leeds city centre on April 21 2022, dying 19 days in hospital after the crash.
He was hit by 22 year old Oury Diallo, Meynell Approach in Holbeck, who was rising an illegally modified pedal bike which had a battery fitted, making it a motor vehicle.
Diallo admitted causing death by careless driving, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
He was handed a seven month suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court, will serve a 15 day rehabilitation order, will have to complete 200 hours community service and has been banned from driving for four years.
Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Vincent Cullinane’s family have been left absolutely devastated by his death in a collision which shows very clearly the dangers and risks of illegally modified electric bikes, scooters and other similar vehicles.
“These ‘powered transporters’ are classed as motor vehicles by definition and are subject to all the same legislation as cars and motorbikes.
“The unregulated power they produce and the speeds they can achieve create clear potential risks to the safety of others.
“Anyone using such a vehicle faces being prosecuted for driving without insurance and without a licence and having their vehicle seized.
“The illegal riding of this modified cycle led to Vincent sadly losing his life and we hope this case will highlight the potentially tragic consequences of using an illegally modified electric vehicle.”