A recent joint operation held in Woolwich between the police, immigration and the council saw 12 illegal mopeds, e-bikes and scooters seized from their riders due to not complying with moped, e-bike and right to work legislation.
While there are strict electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) standards and requirements in place to ensure road-legal use, many e-bikes and conversion kits do not adhere to these regulations and pose a significant risk to public safety.
With the police on standby to seize non-compliant e-bikes and mopeds, the council educated the wider public by handing out 54 free hi-vis jackets, as well as stickers and a newly-produced e-bike safety factsheet. TfL have also released their own e-bike legality leaflet.
Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said: “The safety of everyone on the streets of Royal Greenwich is a top priority for us – that’s why we’re helping to tackle illegal moped and e-bike riders.
“Road-legal e-bikes are a safe, efficient and sustainable way of getting around. But make no mistake - those which aren’t are dangerous for anyone who uses our borough’s roads, while shoddy batteries and poor-quality conversion kits are also fire hazards.
“With sales of illegal e-bikes, conversion kits and dodgy lithium batteries on the rise, I’d like to appeal to our residents to be responsible, know the laws and carefully research their e-bike specs before purchasing an illegal and unsafe product.”
There have now been 64 vehicle seizures and 344 hi-vis jackets distributed as part of Operation Focus, which aims to promote legal vehicle regulations and overall road safety.
Requirements relating to EAPCs range from limits on motor power and speed to aesthetic markings showing the manufacturer name and power output.