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UK Police Seizures of Illegal E-Bikes Rise 83% in a Year
Police seized 7,049 illegal e-bikes in the UK, with modified machines blamed for crime and serious injuries.
- UK police forces confiscated 7,049 illegal e-bikes in the 12 months to May 19, an 83% surge compared to the previous year. Data obtained by the Press Association reveals the scale of enforcement against dangerous models.
- Many non-compliant machines are modified to exceed 70mph, functioning as unregistered electric mopeds. These vehicles, often purchased online for under £300, have been linked to serious incidents including deaths and injuries.
- The Metropolitan Police recorded 2,367 seizures, the highest of any force to May 19. The Royal National Institute of Blind People warned that e-bikes are "heavy, fast-moving, silent vehicles" presenting dangers when ridden carelessly.
- Labour MP for Carlisle Julie Minns described illegal e-bikes as the "perfect accessory to phone theft, mugging and drug dealing." She called on Andy Burnham's Government to classify them as an "unsafe product."
- Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, police now seize vehicles used anti-socially without issuing prior warnings. Forces continue targeting illegal models while acknowledging their legitimate use for commuting and food deliveries.
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Driving law changes could see nationwide crackdown on dangerous electric bikes
Labour is being urged to introduce new rules for electric bikes as new data shows how the vehicles are having a devastating impact on road safety.Fresh data from a Freedom of Information request shows that police seizures of electric bikes jumped by a staggering 83 per cent in just 12 months.In the 12 months to May 19, 2026, police forces across the country confiscated 7,049 vehicles, compared to just 3,858 e-bikes in the same period the year be…
·London, United Kingdom
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Evening StandardReposted by 
Belfast Telegraph
Belfast TelegraphPolice seizures of ‘menace’ e-bikes leap 83% in a year
Figures obtained by the Press Association show more than 7,000 were taken off UK streets in a 12-month period.
·London, United Kingdom
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Number of e-bikes confiscated by UK police soars 83 per cent
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 22%
C 64%
14%
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