Police in Birmingham city centre have taken a batch of dangerously modified electric bikes off the streets in a targeted morning operation.
Operation Frislen Seizes Dangerous Vehicles
As part of Operation Frislen on the morning of Wednesday, 3 December 2025, officers successfully confiscated six illegal e-bikes and one moped. The action forms a central part of the force's ongoing efforts to improve safety for everyone in the heart of the city.
West Midlands Police stated clearly that the operation's goal is to reduce the risk of harm to people who are working, living, and visiting Birmingham City Centre. The force has pledged to continue targeting users of illegal electric bikes.
Why These E-Bikes Are Illegal
It is crucial to note that standard, compliant e-bikes are perfectly legal. The issue lies with modifications that make them dangerous. Police highlighted that many e-bikes used in the city centre have been altered to reach excessive speeds, with one case recorded at a staggering 68mph.
Under UK law, for an e-bike to be legal:
- The motor must have a maximum 'continuous rated power' output of 250 watts.
- It must not provide assistance when the bike is travelling at more than 15.5mph.
Vehicles that exceed these limits are classified as motor vehicles and require tax, insurance, and a licence, which the seized bikes did not have.
A Sustained Clampdown on Safety
This latest police action is not an isolated incident. The force's concerted clampdown on dangerous vehicles began in June, following significant concerns raised by local businesses and visitors to the city centre about the dangers posed by these fast, silent, and often uninsured vehicles.
By removing these illegally modified bikes from circulation, police aim to prevent potential serious accidents and make the public spaces of Birmingham safer for all.
