POLICE seized over a dozen e-bikes and scooters during an operation in Wrexham.
North Wales Police's Wrexham City team it worked alongside the Roads Policing Unit yesterday (Thursday, June 4) to stop and seize 13 which were being used illegally across the city centre.
The policing team said the use of e-bikes and e-scooters is an issue "that is consistently highlighted to us".
A spokesperson said: "We have successfully seized 13 bikes removing them from the roads for good, with one of the riders ending up under arrest due to his threatening and aggressive behaviour towards officers. He's still in custody awaiting interview for this and a few other matters.
"Now to address the other half of the community. Those who will complain that we're stopping people from getting about, or going to work or the shops. These bikes are dangerous, using them anywhere other than on private land is illegal and they are often ridden in a dangerous manner.
"Sadly, there have been a number of deaths across the UK attributed to their use, as well as the dangers associated with charging these bikes in the home."
Police are raising awareness of the following factors:
- if you need to twist a throttle to make it go, it's illegal - that makes it a motor vehicle
- if the motor allows it to go without you having to pedal, it's illegal - that makes it a motor vehicle
- if the 'electric assistance' allows the bike to travel it over 15.5mph, it's illegal
- the pedals have to be moving for the 'electric assistance' to be provided
- riders must be over 14 years of age
To get the bikes back, owners need to provide the police with proof of the vehicle registration status, insurance, that it is taxed and that they hold a suitable licence. To get an MOT certificate or insurance, the bike will have to be 'type certified' by the DVSA and the DVSA will not do this for these bikes so they will be destroyed.
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"You may well find that in a few weeks time, you'll see them on the shelves in your local supermarket as baked beans tins," the policing team said.
The Wrexham City policing team added: "This isn't the end of this, we're determined to make the roads (and pavements) of Wrexham safer and will do whatever it takes to remove these bikes and scooters from our streets.
"Just get a normal bike, a legal electrically assisted bike or even better just walk and get your steps up."
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