Rider caught doing wheelies on illegally-modified e-bike
It was part of a policing operation
Police in Paignton have shared CCTV images this week - as they've seized an e-bike after the rider was spotted doing wheelies on Torquay Pier.
It was an illegally modified bike, which officers said could reach speeds of up to 35mph.
They also apprehended another rider in the same incident.
In a statement, officers said: "E-bikes are heavy bits of kit and can cause real injury if ridden irresponsibly, and in some cases, lives can be lost.
"We listened to your concerns about people riding e-bikes dangerously in busy pedestrianised areas, especially around those with young families.
"That's why we carried out this plain clothes operation to target careless riders. The operation resulted in:
- E-bike seized due to anti-social use. It will be destroyed due to illegal mods
- 2 x pedal bikes seized due to riders using them irresponsibly on a high street. They have been returned after advice and guidance was given to the riders’ parents
- A privately owned e-scooter was seized and will be destroyed after it was used illegally in a public area
- 5 x people given a Section 35 notice dispersal order after causing disruptive behaviour in the town, they were unable to return to the area until the following day
"E-bikes aren’t a problem and we’re not here to ruin anybody’s fun. But when their version of fun turns into behaviour that can cause serious injury to pedestrians, that’s when we’ll use our powers to stop it from happening and deter future offences.
"Have fun, but please remember to be safe and consider those around you. Our officers are out there."
Guidance on e-bike and e-scooter use available via the police's website.