Crackdown sees number of converted bikes seized by police

» MORE pushbikes are being converted into electric bikes by having motors or batteries added.

A number of electric-assisted pedal cycles have been seized by officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary as part of a clampdown on the crime.

A number of electric powered transporters and electric pedal bikes were seized from various locations with Gloucester and Cheltenham over the past week.

On Twitter, a police spokesman said: “We’ve seized a number of electric powered transporters and electric pedal bikes as part of an operation targeting the use of electrically assisted bicycles. We’ve found they’re converted with batteries and motors being added making them motor vehicles.”

A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesperson said: “There are three elements for a legal EAPC which is to have a maximum power of 250 watts, have pedals fitted to propel the bike and to not be able to travel faster than 15.5mph. People have been converting bicycles to be in excess of the 250 watts limit therefore making them motor vehicles.

“This means that the bicycles or transporters function in the same way as motorbikes so need to comply with the Road Traffic Act and be licensed, insured and registered. Any bikes of this type can be seized and disposed of under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act.”

More information about what regulations EAPCS have to adhere to can be found at gov.uk/government/publications/electrically-assistedpedal-cycles-eapcs/electricallyassisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs-in-greatbritain-information-sheet