Illegal and dangerous e-bikes are creating a safety crisis across Britain, raising concerns over public safety, road accidents, and the illegal use of essential equipment such as helmets and cycle tests. The report highlights the risks of explosive batteries and the dangers posed by illegal modifications.

Police Seize High-Speed E-Bikes

Amazon delivery worker Babak Fordaliah, 34, was caught driving an illegally modified e-bike outside Liverpool Street Station in London. The bike, which should have a motor that cuts out at 15.5 mph, had been altered to reach much higher speeds.

PC Sibyl Beaumont from the City of London Police’s Cycle Team noted, ‘This could easily reach 30mph, maybe 40mph.’ The fastest e-bike seized by police was capable of reaching 73 mph. Many legal e-bikes are being adapted to become more powerful, creating dangerous 'Frankenstein’s monster' motorbikes without number plates, insurance, road tax, or helmets.

Fire Hazards and Criminal Use

Fire brigades across the country have reported hundreds of fires and about a dozen deaths caused by cheap imported batteries bursting into flames while charging. These illegal e-bikes have become a menace in communities, with their speed and lack of traceability making them ideal for robberies, phone thefts, and drug dealing.

Calls for Stricter Regulations

MP Julie Minns is advocating for a ban on the sale and supply of illegal e-bikes, describing them as unregistered, untaxed motorbikes without MOTs, causing havoc and endangering road users. While there are no nationally collated records for illegal e-bike crimes and accidents, anecdotal evidence suggests a significant rise in e-bike-related crimes, including robberies and road traffic offenses.