Five illegal e-bikes seized in Coventry city centre

We’re taking tough action against riders of illegally modified e-bikes who are putting people at risk in Coventry city centre.
 

Officers focused their efforts on a pre-planned operation last week which saw five bikes seized and their riders issued with fines.
 

Officers from our Gangs and Priority crime team worked with partners in the operation, on the Burges, Broadgate, and High Street.
 

The fastest speed recorded from one of the seized bikes was over 68 kph.
 

During the operation, the team spotted a wanted individual. After a short foot chase, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of shop theft and burglary.

Chief Superintendent Paul Joyce, from Coventry 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 Business Improvement Districts 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 last week’s operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those breaking the rules.
 

"We’d urge anyone who rises an e-bike for work or pleasure in the city centre to make sure that their bike is legal.
 

"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."

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it is an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC)

You do not need a licence to ride an EAPC and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

Your bike is not an EAPC if it:

For everything you need to know about e-bikes, visit our website here: What you need to know: electric bikes | West Midlands Police