E-bike capable of 70 mph seized in crackdown

An e-bike capable of speeds of more than 70 mph (112 kmh) has been seized during a crackdown in Nottingham city centre, police have said.

Operation Wrangel was launched in November in response to concerns from the public about the risks posed by e-bikes and scooters going through pedestrianised areas.

Nottinghamshire Police said more than 60 vehicles had been seized and 38 offenders had been prosecuted, with some having to pay more than £1,000 and receiving eight points on their driving licence.

Using a device to test the top speed of suspect bikes, police said they found that of more than 100 stopped, fewer than a quarter were legally compliant.

Under UK law, e-bikes must comply with UK Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) regulations, including a 15.5 mph speed limit and a motor power of no more than 250W.

Non-compliant models are classified as motor vehicles, requiring insurance, taxation and a valid licence, police said.

Alongside enforcement, the operation uses engagement and education to get the message across, with 80 education packs, high visibility tabards distributed and warning letters issued.

PC Ben King said: "Operation Wrangel is an ongoing, long-term problem management plan for the city centre.

"Our number of bike seizures and compliance checks carried out to date, as well as our other enforcement and education provided to riders shows how committed we are to tackling this issue head-on and making our streets safer.

"We're also seeing how unsafe some of these vehicles can be when used illegally on public roads."

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: "The crackdown on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in the city centre has been really successful and demonstrates how the neighbourhood policing team are taking local people's concerns very seriously and acting on them.

"It should leave people in no doubt that the police are doing their utmost to make the city centre a safer place for everyone who lives, works or visits there."

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.