Police seize 30 London pedal rickshaws fitted with illegal souped-up engines

Police who seized 30 cycle rickshaws in central London found they were customised with engines so powerful the drivers needed the same licence as for a car.

More than 40 officers checked rickshaw drivers in tourist hotspots including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden. They found 30 without the required insurance and tax, as well as operators without driving licences.

Police had already held 35 pedicabs seized over the last two months.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Over 50 pedicabs were inspected during the operation on Saturday. Officers seized 30 pedicabs, which were classified as motor vehicles due to their motor power outage. Converted rickshaws have a power outage which requires them to be taxed, insured and registered. Drivers of modified rickshaws also require a driving licence.”

The rickshaws were seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for lack of insurance, and each rider was given a written warning under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Acting Special Insp Geoff Tatman, of the Met’s vehicle enforcement team, said the move was aimed at pedicabs fitted with electric motors to make them go faster: “We are determined to keep the streets of central London safe for all,” he said.