Police seize nearly 100 e-scooters and e-bikes

Food delivery drivers riding electric cargo bikes were among those targeted during the Cambridge crackdown

Police have seized 94 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters after receiving "frequent reports of reckless riding".

Several illegally modified Eskuta bikes used by food delivery drivers in Cambridge were among those confiscated.

Cambridgeshire Police said its three-day operation followed an increasing number of privately owned e-scooters and non-compliant electric bikes being used in public spaces.

In the UK, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads except through approved official trials, such as Voi in Cambridge – although they are widely sold in shops and online.

People over the age of 14 can ride e-bikes on public roads as long as the bikes meet the legal criteria.

Cambridgeshire Police says it will continue educating children and parents about the law

These criteria include pedals that can propel the bike, a motor with a maximum power output of 250W and a top assisted speed of 15.5mph.

Any e-bike that exceeds these specifications is legally classified as a moped or a motorcycle, requiring registration, insurance, a driving licence and the use of a helmet.

Insp Shawn Emms warned riders that ignorance of the law was no excuse.

"Our previous approach focused on officers taking an 'engage and educate' approach, but frequent reports of reckless riding and concern from members of the public have led us to take enforcement action," he said.

Police were joined by staff from Eskuta, who were checking bikes for modifications, as well as members of the Home Office's Immigration Compliance and Enforcement team, who spoke to delivery riders about their immigration status and right to work in the UK.

Police say they are receiving more complaints of "reckless riding"

Insp Emms added: "We understand it can be a confusing picture when you can see e-scooters being ridden as part of official schemes where you have to register using your driving licence.

"It is also unhelpful that they can be purchased so easily in shops and online, but our priority is keeping people safe and ensuring road users understand the law."