Nineteen E-bikes and Scooters Seized in Police Operation
Officers target illegally modified vehicles on High Street and Putney Bridge Road
Seized bikes and officers examining suspect vehicles. Picture: Met Police
Police have seized 19 e-bikes and scooters during an operation targeting illegally modified vehicles in Putney.
Officers from the Putney Safer Neighbourhood Teams joined Roads Policing colleagues on Monday 28 September, carrying out checks on Putney High Street and Putney Bridge Road. A total of 30 bicycles and scooters were checked, of which 19 were seized for failing to comply with regulations.
The operation focused on e-bikes which had been manufactured or modified in ways that meant they no longer met the legal requirements for an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle, commonly known as an EAPC.
Police said that, under the current rules, an EAPC must have pedals capable of propelling it and a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts. Electrical assistance must also cut out at 15.5mph (25km/h).
E-bikes which fall outside those requirements may instead be treated as mopeds or motorcycles, bringing additional legal requirements. Police highlighted bikes capable of being propelled by a throttle without pedalling, apart from limited low-speed assistance; bikes that have been "chipped" to exceed the 15.5mph assistance limit; and those exceeding the 250W continuous power limit.
The operation also resulted in a car being seized. Police said the vehicle was being driven without insurance or a driving licence. The driver was arrested after providing a positive saliva specimen for a controlled drug. [
Putney's Safer Neighbourhood Team says it will continue to work with Roads Policing officers to tackle vehicles being used unlawfully and improve road safety. The Met said the Putney enforcement exercise was one of a number of operations planned across Wandsworth.
The police alert also highlighted the potential fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. It advised owners to use the correct charger, never charge a damaged battery, allow batteries to cool before charging and avoid leaving batteries charging unattended or while asleep. Charging should also take place away from escape routes.
The information was circulated through Met Engage by Sergeant Gary Berry of the Metropolitan Police's Thamesfield and East Putney team.
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