More than 60 illegal e-bikes have been taken off Nottinghamshire’s streets so far this year, with Gedling borough among the key hotspots being targeted by police.
The seizures have been carried out as part of ongoing enforcement operations across Gedling borough, Mansfield, Ashfield and West Bridgford, following the success of Operation Wrangel, a crackdown launched in Nottingham city centre last November.
Since the operation began, officers have seized 112 illegal bikes during patrols, with dedicated action now expanding into surrounding areas including Gedling.
Those caught riding non-compliant e-bikes are facing serious consequences. Some offenders have already been handed fines of more than £1,000 and received eight penalty points on their driving licences after appearing in court.
Under UK law, e-bikes must meet strict Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. This means they cannot provide electric assistance above 15.5mph and must have a motor rated at no more than 250 watts.
Any bike that exceeds those limits is legally classed as a motor vehicle, meaning riders must have insurance, tax and the appropriate driving licence.
To help catch offenders, officers are now using a portable dynamometer, a compact testing device capable of measuring an e-bike’s top speed at the roadside.
So far, police have tested 283 two-wheeled vehicles, with fewer than a quarter found to be fully compliant with legal requirements.
But enforcement is only part of the operation.
Police have also distributed 229 education packs, issued 19 warning letters, and provided riders with road safety and crime prevention advice.
Legal e-bike users have received high-visibility tabards, information about bike-marking schemes to deter theft, and guidance on servicing and maintenance.
Officers are reminding residents across Gedling and the wider county that anyone using a non-compliant e-bike on a road or in a public place risks having it seized.
They also reiterated that privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal to use in public spaces unless they are part of an authorised rental scheme. Such scooters can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
