E-BIKES: "Accident waiting to happen" as bikes modified for speed in Birmingham
Police say they're taking 'tough action' to tackle the problem of illegally modified e-bikes
Last updated 18th Jun 2025
West Midlands Police says they're taking 'tough action' against riders of illegally modified e-bikes in Birmingham city centre.
Officers were in the city centre on Tuesday evening for a pre-planned operation which saw 16 bikes seized and their riders issued with fines.
The 16 seized were illegally modified to go much faster than is legal - up to 50mph in some cases - and no longer met the definition of an electrically assisted pedal cycle. All the seized bikes will now be crushed.
It’s one of a number of days of action planned over the coming weeks to make the city centre safer for everyone.
Insp Scott Taylor, from Birmingham Police, said:
"Dangerous e-bike use has become a major problem in the city centre – partners, businesses and pedestrians are telling us they feel it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured.
"We’ve been working alongside city centre businesses, including takeaways, delivery companies, the Central Business Improvement District and the city council in recent weeks.
"We’ve been out educating riders on the law and the impact dangerous riding is having on the city centre, and tonight’s operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those flouting the rules.
"We’ll be taking more action over the coming weeks, so anyone who ignores the law may well find their bike is seized and they are issued with a fine or are given a court date."
The day was supported by the Sight Loss Council, which tackles issues affecting blind and partially sighted people.
Louise Connop, from the Sight Loss Council, said:
"There are many obstacles that make it difficult for blind and partially sighted people to navigate our streets independently and safely, such as pavement parking forcing us into the road, overhanging vegetation, tables and chairs blocking walkways and many more.
"E-scooters and e-bikes have added additional barriers because of their high speeds and low noise. We can also be impacted by illegal pavement riding, and inappropriate parking such as in the middle of the pavement which causes trips and falls.
"Birmingham and Black Country Sight Loss Council has been working with West Midlands Police over the last couple of years to raise awareness and education about appropriate parking and safe use of these vehicles. Just making small changes can have a huge positive impact on our ability to live and travel independently."