Police in Exeter crack down on illegal e-bikes

Police in Exeter have been targeting e-bikes being used dangerously or illegally in the city as part of a crackdown on organised crime.

Since the start of 2023 officers across Devon and Cornwall have seized 136 e-bikes and 218 e-scooters which have been illegally modified, ridden without insurance, involved in a serious collision or have been used in crime. Fifty six of the e-bikes and 84 of the e-scooters were seized in and around Exeter.

During the operation, riders were stopped and spoken to by the neighbourhood policing team, who checked the legality and speed capabilities of e-bikes and e-scooters. This led to eight e-bikes and two e-scooters being seized as a result of illegal modifications and/or being used without insurance.

Officers also dispersed three people as part of a public space protection order, seized drugs from one person and made four arrests. Charges included immigration offences, handling stolen goods, being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker.

Exeter Sergeant Andrew Walton said: “Roads in Exeter city centre can get very busy, especially during summer months, and we know that modified e-bikes often travel at excessive speeds which put pedestrians and other road users at risk.

“We also know from intelligence and previous operations that there is a link between e-bike use and organised criminality.

“Residents can expect to continue to see police presence in the city and the neighbourhood policing team will continue to use a variety of tactics to keep Exeter safe.”