Illegal e-bikes 'potentially damaging' to Cambridgeshire firm
There's been a rise in the number of illegally modified e-bike seizures in the UK
We're hearing how illegal e-bikes could put a Cambridgeshire business' reputation on the line.
There's been an 83 per cent rise in e-bikes with modifications being confiscated by police across the UK in the last year.
E-bike motors cut out when they reach a speed of 15.5mph under UK law, although police are finding more e-bikes are reaching faster speeds.
Jamie McAlley is from Fenland eBikes:
"We don't want the industry to be damaged by people that are abusing the abilities of e-bikes and running those types that are illegal on the road," he said.
"These kinds of illegal e-bikes are potentially damaging to our business.
"Illegal e-bikes don't give the business I'm in as an e-bike retailer a good reputation; it draws away from the positive attributes of electric bikes and there are so many positive things to say about them."
Modifications to e-bikes can include conversion kits bought online, which can help reach up to 70 miles per hour, way above the 15mph legal limit.
Jamie said a change of settings already on an e-bike or an external device fitted between the speed sensor and motor controller can also help affect how fast it can travel.
Education around e-bike risks 'a good step'
He's pleased to see a rising trend in e-bike seizures, but would like to see other safety measures around e-bikes imposed.
"All e-bikes need regular servicing and it wouldn't hurt for that regular service to be tied in with an annual certificate of some sort," he added.
"This could be issued by e-bike dealers to ensure the bike has been checked to be compliant and safe.
"I think it's (e-bike seizures) been on the increase for a few years, but now there's increased media awareness on these issues and an increased police presence to crack down on illegal e-bikes.
"Educating the public about the risks and the fact derestricting e-bikes is illegal is a good step and making sure police are aware and can check as often as necessary on bikes they suspect may be illegal."
Between 2023-24, there were 718 crimes relating to an e-bike or e-scooter in Cambridgeshire, more than 20% than the year before.