Illegal E-Bikes

Adur & Worthing Police

Illegal E-Bikes – Worthing Town

Yesterday officers from Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out an operation in the town centre to address concerns around the use of illegal electric bikes.

A total of 8 riders were stopped and 3 bikes were seized after being found to fall outside of the legal requirements for road use.

What you need to know:

Only Electronically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) are classed as road legal. This means:

The bike must be fitted with pedals that can be used to propel it.

The motor must not exceed 250 watts.

Power assistance must cut off once the bike reaches 15.5mph.

Anything outside of this is considered a motor vehicle, meaning it must be registered, taxed, insured, and the rider must hold the correct licence.

Our priority is always community safety. Illegal e-bikes are not just a risk to pedestrians and road users but can also place the rider themselves in danger.

We encourage anyone who owns or is considering purchasing an electric bike to check the Government guidance here: https://orlo.uk/hBeTU