Hounslow Council and the Metropolitan Police carried out a series of joint operations last week to crack down on illegal and unsafe e-bikes across the borough
Hounslow Council and the Metropolitan Police carried out a series of joint operations last week to crack down on illegal and unsafe e-bikes across the borough – including one capable of reaching a speed over 60mph, which was confiscated by the police for being far above the legal limit.
The coordinated action brought together teams from both organisations including Metropolitan Police, and from the Council: Trading Standards, Safer Communities, Enforcement and Road Safety teams. Working side by side, the teams focused on removing dangerous e-bikes from local streets and ensuring riders follow safety and legal standards.
During the operations, officers seized 7 illegal e-bikes and 3 e-scooters. Some of the e-bikes had been fitted with powerful, unregulated motors, posing a serious danger to both the rider and the public.
With rising numbers of modified e-bikes being fitted with high-powered motors or unsafe batteries, officers carried out spot checks at key locations, including Chiswick High Road and Hounslow High Street. Many of the seized e-bikes had been altered using unregulated components or DIY conversions that pose seriously increased fire and collision risks.
Illegal e-bikes can lead to fines, prosecution and immediate confiscation.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, said: “Illegal e-bikes put lives at risk. These operations show how closely the Council and the Police are working together to keep people safe. We urge all riders to make sure their e-bikes meet legal standards and are used responsibly on our roads.
“Last week, London Councils issued a press release calling for urgent government action for new laws to tackle illegal e-bikes and unsafe batteries. We fully support this. With the right powers, we can do even more to protect our communities and ensure Hounslow’s streets remain safe for everyone.”
Police Constable Mustafa Jameel at Metropolitan Police added: “Our joint operations with Hounslow Council last week resulted in several illegal e-bikes being taken off the streets. Many were fitted with unsafe or high-powered motors. These e-bikes break the law and endanger riders and the wider public. We will continue these joint enforcement efforts across the borough.”
Ride safe, ride legal
Hounslow Council will be launching an awareness campaign starting in December to help residents understand what makes an e-bike legal, how to spot unsafe modifications and how to stay within the law.
To be road legal, an e-bike must:
- Have working pedals.
- Not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling at more than 15.5 miles per hour (mph).
- Must have a ‘continuous rated power’ output of no more than 250 watts.
DIY modifications and high-power motors are illegal and dangerous. Riders should:
- Buy from reputable sellers.
- Charge batteries correctly.
- Use helmets and lights.
More information is available at: gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
