A police officer in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, tackled an e-bike rider after the individual evaded attempts to stop him. The incident occurred last week when the rider, operating an illegally-boosted e-bike, sped past multiple uniformed officers in the city center. Two plain-clothed officers were positioned to intercept him, and one officer launched himself at the rider, causing both the rider and the bike to fall to the ground.
The e-bike was later tested and found to reach speeds of 23 mph, exceeding the legal limit of 15.5 mph. Authorities reported that the rider is facing charges for failing to stop, driving without a license, and operating without insurance. Under UK law, individuals over the age of 14 can ride electric bikes without a license or insurance, provided the bikes comply with specific speed and power regulations, including a maximum power of 250 watts and no electrical assistance beyond 15.5 mph. If the bike does not meet these criteria, it must be taxed and insured like a moped or motorcycle.
Police have intensified their efforts against illegal e-bikes, confiscating 7,049 such devices in the 12 months leading up to May 19, nearly double the 3,858 taken the previous year. Many confiscated e-bikes have been modified to exceed the speed limits, with some reportedly capable of reaching speeds over 70 mph.