Dozens of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized

Police have seized dozens of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters during a dedicated operation.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said officers from its roads policing unit and its Oxford Cowley neighbourhood team had confiscated 35 of the illicit vehicles in Oxford during the past week.

The force said many of the bikes it seized in the city had been modified to travel at speeds "significantly above legal limits".

It also stressed that under current legislation, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements.

Current government rules state that you can "ride an electric bike if you're 14 or over, as long as it is an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle'". But include a maximum speed of 15.5mph without pedalling and restrictions on the power of batteries and motors.

TVP said the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters "remains a priority" for the force "due to the dangers they pose to both riders and other members of the public".

"Our aim is simple: keep everyone safe whilst using our roads, pavements and public spaces," it said of the week long operation.

During the campaign, the force said stop and searches associated with the illegal vehicles had also resulted in three men being placed under investigation after cannabis was located by officers.

A separate investigation is also ongoing after another man was found with a bladed article, police added.