On 28th February 2025, Henry Morgan, riding an e-bike that’d been fitted with an illegal, battery-powered throttle to reach speeds up to 27mph, collided with a man in his 60s who died of his injuries. Morgan had been overtaking a bus in Shepherd’s Bush when he struck the man crossing the road.
“It’s become a common sight for all of us who travel around London to see these electric bikes, which have been modified, tearing around at frightening speed, causing clearly significant danger to other persons,” said District Judge Michael Snow.
Inspector Matt Boiles of Avon and Somerset Police agrees. “It’s difficult to provide an exact figure as there’s no registration system, meaning there’s no reliable way of quantifying the number of illegal machines in circulation.
What we can say is that both national and local enforcement activity suggests the problem is increasing, while police leaders and industry bodies have described these bikes as a growing road safety and crime concern.”
Boiles adds that they’ve seen a noticeable increase in his region, particularly in urban areas and cycle paths. But how do you, Joe or Jane Public walking in the streets or riding legal bikes, know what’s deemed illegal? “For consumers, when it comes to a legal e-bike, it must have a maximum continuous motor output of 250 watts and motor assistance must cut out when the bike reaches 15.5mph (25km/hr),” says Boiles.
“The rider must also pedal for the motor to provide assistance. If a bike can continue to accelerate under power beyond those limits, it could instead be classed by law as a moped or motorcycle.”
Then there are genuine electric motorbikes, which were recently flagged up by Boiles’ force in a press release: “Your Severn Beach policing team is aware of ongoing concerns regarding the use of Sur-Ron bikes… Reports have highlighted issues including anti-social behaviour and dangerous riding.”
Sur-Ron bikes, and other lightweight electric bikes, lack pedals and are treated as a motorcycle. That means for public-road use they need the appropriate registration, road tax, insurance and a properly licensed rider. They can be used off-road but on private land with the landowner’s permission. As you’ve probably seen, often these feature neither and are accompanied by ostensibly young men in balaclavas and hoodies.
Then there are traditional bikes that feature conversion kits that are taped to the frame and come with a throttle. These aren’t illegal to own but using a 'twist-and-go' throttle that propels an e-bike without pedalling is generally only permitted up to walking speed (around 4mph) unless the vehicle has the necessary type of approval (certain older or approved models may be exempt).
You can actually use this throttle up to 15mph as long as the pedals are being turned. Or without pedalling if the model of bike you’re using has received ‘type approval’, which is a government-recognised certification that a particular vehicle design meets the required technical standards.
Safety concerns
Police and local communities have associated some illegally used e-bikes and Sur-Ron-style machines with anti-social behaviour and road safety concerns. In July 2025, the Office for Product Safety and Standards released a safety report on counterfeit Sur-Ron Light Bee, Ultra Bee and Hyper Bee electric motorcycles, warning that their batteries and chargers hadn’t undergone the required testing and could overheat and cause a fire.
That’s certainly the case with dodgy conversion kits. The official figures are stark: the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards recorded 170 e-bike fires in 2024, of which 77 (45%) involved post-market conversions. But what powers do the police possess over these illegal riders?
“The current legislation clearly defines what constitutes a legal electrically assisted pedal cycle and provides powers for police to take action where a vehicle has effectively become an unregistered and uninsured moped or motorcycle,” says Boiles. That means the police can seize the vehicle. The rider may also face fines, and prosecution. “However, one of the challenges is that these bikes can be difficult to identify. Enforcement can therefore be resource-intensive and often requires specialist equipment or trained officers.”
From a policing perspective, says Boiles, stronger enforcement and prevention are needed. Consistent national guidance on identifying, testing, seizing and disposing of illegal e-bikes would help ensure a more joined-up approach, as enforcement currently varies between police forces despite growing concerns.
“The response needs to be targeted,” adds Duncan Dollimore, associate director at Cycling UK. “Police need consistent training, approved testing methods and clear procedures so that officers can distinguish a compliant e-cycle from an illegal e-motorbike at the roadside.”
Dollimore adds that there needs to be more accountability down the supply chain with retailers and manufacturers clearly explaining where products may legally be used and avoid ambiguous claims about ‘off-road’ settings. “Online marketplaces should also verify claims made by sellers, remove misleading listings and prevent non-compliant vehicles or kits being promoted for lawful road use,” he says. “Supporting schemes such as the E-Bike Positive trust mark can help consumers identify responsible businesses. None of this should create new barriers for people who rely on legitimate e-cycles for affordable travel, work, mobility or independence.”
