Nottinghamshire Police have launched a significant crackdown on illegally modified electric bikes, seizing multiple vehicles and warning riders they face prosecution.
Operation Targets City Centre Hotspots
The police operation concentrated on known problem areas across the city centre, including Trinity Square, Milton Street, Hockley, and Old Market Square. Officers targeted e-bikes that had been modified to breach crucial safety regulations, with many capable of speeds far exceeding the legal limit.
Sergeant Dan Butler from the City Centre neighbourhood policing team confirmed that the community response was overwhelmingly positive. He stated that the force received a lot of supportive feedback from the public during the afternoon operation.
Community Impact and Official Warnings
The community impact has been massive, according to Sergeant Butler. He explained that people have had enough of these riders speeding around with no regard for public safety.
PC Ben King emphasised a common misconception, noting that many people wrongly believe e-bikes are merely toys. The police have issued a stark warning to those using illegal machines. If you are seen by the police and you are stopped by the police, we will be seizing your bike, Sergeant Butler stated unequivocally.
The Dangers of Modified E-Bikes
Speaking on the dangers, Inspector Simon Allen of Nottinghamshire Police described the machines as a menace. He clarified that most of these are not bicycles at all, but are effectively motorcycles operating without any pedal power and travelling far beyond the legal 15.5 mph (25 km/h) limit.
Inspector Allen highlighted critical safety flaws, explaining that modified e-bikes pose a severe risk because their components cannot handle the increased forces. Their tyres, brakes and suspension can’t cope, he said, adding that riders often lack the proper skills or safety gear.
This has led to a rise in deaths and serious injuries, prompting the police to take more robust action. The force is now committed to permanently removing these dangerous vehicles from circulation, seizing and seeking to destroy them as quickly as possible.
Parents were given a direct warning: buying one of these bikes for children means they will be breaking the law and could cause serious harm. You can also expect to have that bike seized and destroyed by the police, Inspector Allen concluded.
