E-bikes: A growing road safety threat

There has been growing concern over the number of serious collisions involving illegal e-bikes across the United Kingdom. Recent incidents have involved both pedestrians and cyclists, with a number resulting in life-changing injuries and fatalities.

In May 2025, 86-year-old Gloria Stephenson was tragically killed after being struck on a zebra crossing in Sunderland by an illegal and defective e-bike ridden at speed by Billy Stokoe.

Following guilty pleas to offences of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst unlicensed, causing death by driving without insurance, and causing death by driving without due care and attention whilst over the specified limit for THC (cannabis), Stokoe was sentenced to six years and nine months' imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for a period of over eight years.

This tragic case provides a stark illustration of the dangers that illegal e-bikes can pose to the public and the serious legal consequences that may arise where their use results in death or serious injury.

Is it legal?

Under current legislation, an electric cycle is classified as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) if:

• It is fitted with pedals capable of propelling the cycle.
• It has an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250 watts.
• Electrical assistance cuts off at 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
• The cycle is appropriately marked with the manufacturer's details and motor specifications.

EAPCs do not require registration, tax, insurance, or a driving licence; and may be ridden on public roads in the same manner as a conventional pedal cycle. Riders however must be at least 14 years of age.

Where a cycle does not meet the EAPC requirements, or has been modified with an unrestricted throttle or "off-road" mode allowing propulsion beyond the statutory limits, it will generally be treated in law as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, and fall within the scope of licensing, registration and insurance obligations

Such vehicles may still however be lawfully ridden on private land with the landowner's permission which, it has been argued, creates a loophole facilitating the legal sale of high-powered e-bikes and conversion kits that find their way onto public roads.

Responding to a growing problem

One of the clearest indications of the road safety focused approach to e-bikes was the decision made by the Government not to relax EAPC regulations following consultation in 2024.  Proposals to increase the maximum motor power from 250W to 500W and expand throttle-assisted operation were ultimately rejected. The existing EAPC framework was instead retained, reflecting concerns raised by police forces and road safety organisations that more powerful cycles could increase safety risks and further blur the distinction between bicycles and motor vehicles.

Alongside maintaining the EAPC regulatory framework, one of the most visible responses to illegal e-bikes has been an increase in police enforcement activity.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force in June 2026, introduced powers enabling police officers to seize illegally used or anti-socially ridden e-bikes immediately, without the need to issue a prior warning.  The measure was intended to provide a more effective means of tackling unlawful use and improving public safety.

Nottinghamshire Police recently announced that more than 100 illegal e-bikes had been seized as part of Operation Wrangel.   The operation focused on identifying bikes that had been modified to exceed legal speed limits, operate without pedal assistance, or were being used without a licence and insurance required once they ceased to comply with EAPC regulations.  The initiative included the use of portable dynamometers to test vehicle speeds and determine EAPC compliance.

In addition to enforcement, police forces have undertaken educational campaigns, distributing guidance and information packs to inform riders of EAPC requirements and the dangers associated with modified machines.

Although the Government currently has no plans to introduce registration for e-bikes, the dockless e-bike operator Forest has fitted number plates to around 500 of its fleet in Richmond upon Thames in an attempt to discourage reckless riding.  This is just one example of various measures being taken within the e-bike industry to address the public’s safety concerns.

Calls for further action

Despite recent enforcement measures, there remain calls for greater coordination between transport regulation, product safety legislation and policing.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking recently examined the continuing risks associated with illegal and modified e-bikes. The Group identified a need for government action across product safety, transport regulation and enforcement; rather than relying on voluntary industry measures alone.  The Group also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory controls to prevent unsafe products reaching consumers through online marketplaces.   The need to close the private-land-only loophole was also noted.

Although the importance of continued police enforcement was also highlighted, it recognised by the Group that enforcement alone cannot solve a problem driven by the ready availability of unsafe products.

The future

The Government's response to illegal e-bike use has largely focused on preserving the existing EAPC framework whilst increasing enforcement and improving product safety.  Rather than relaxing regulations, emphasis has been placed on tackling illegal modifications, supporting police powers and addressing the sale of unsafe and non-compliant products.

However, it remains clear that e-bikes present a developing road safety challenge. As e-bike use continues to increase and further serious incidents occur, calls for additional measures are likely to intensify.