Eight e-bikes seized by police in crackdown

The illegal bikes were confiscated in Coventry city centre on Tuesday

Eight illegal electric bikes have been seized by police in Coventry.

Road harm prevention team (RHPT) officers seized the e-bikes in an operation targeting the city centre on Tuesday afternoon, West Midlands Police said.

"Eight illegal bikes seized today with prosecutions to follow," a force spokesperson added in a statement on social media.

Under national rules, the power on the motor of electrically-assisted pedal cycles must not exceed more than 250 watts and can only assist riders on speeds of up to 15.5mph.

Bikes which do not meet the rules are classed as motor vehicles, such as motorcycles or mopeds, and will need to be taxed, registered and insured.

Riders may not only have their bikes seized if uninsured, but can also be fined by police.