One of the bikes confiscated is able to reach dangerous speeds of over 60mph
Police have seized seven illegal e-bikes and three e-scooters as part of a crackdown in West London. Officers teamed up with Hounslow Council to remove the dangerous electric vehicles from London’s streets.
The council said one of the electric bikes confiscated by officers was capable of reaching a speed of over 60mph, well above the legal limit of 15.5mph. Numerous bikes taken had been fitted with powerful, unregulated motors, posing a serious danger to both the rider and the public.
The issue of unregulated e-bikes is worsening across the city leading to Transport for London banning all electric powered bikes and scooters from its services due to the fire risk. The Metropolitan Police and Hounslow Council carried out spot checks in Chiswick High Road and Hounslow High Street among other key locations.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, said: “Illegal e-bikes put lives at risk. These operations show how closely the Council and the Police are working together to keep people safe. We urge all riders to make sure their e-bikes meet legal standards and are used responsibly on our roads.
“Last week, London Councils issued a press release calling for urgent government action for new laws to tackle illegal e-bikes and unsafe batteries. We fully support this. With the right powers, we can do even more to protect our communities and ensure Hounslow’s streets remain safe for everyone.”
Police Constable Mustafa Jameel at Metropolitan Police added: “Our joint operations with Hounslow Council last week resulted in several illegal e-bikes being taken off the streets. Many were fitted with unsafe or high-powered motors. These e-bikes break the law and endanger riders and the wider public. We will continue these joint enforcement efforts across the borough.”
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