e-Bike seized

Adur & Worthing Police

Good Afternoon Resident,

We stopped an e-bike rider and seized it after it was found it could travel at excess speeds.

Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Team were on patrol in Shoreham last month when they saw the rider travelling in the flow of traffic at about 20mph, without pedalling.

When stopped, the bike was found to have controls enabling self-propulsion in excess of 40mph. So it did not meet the requirements of a legal electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) and is instead classed as mechanically propelled vehicle which is subject to full road traffic laws.

Throughout April officers in West Sussex have been focussed on tackling vehicle crimes and engaging with communities, and our work to respond to these issues continues throughout the year.

The rider was given strong words of advice and his e-bike was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. A legal electric bike (EAPC) can be used without a licence or insurance if you are aged 14 or over, provided it:

- Has pedals that can be used to propel it

- Has a motor with a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts

- Does not provide electrical assistance above 15.5 mph

- Can have more than two wheels (e.g. a tricycle)

If an electric bike does not meet these requirements, it must be taxed and insured as a motorcycle or moped. This means it can only be ridden by someone aged 16 or over with a provisional licence, L-plates, and who has completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.

For further information, visit GOV.UK.