Police seize 60 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in Welsh city. One could even reach speeds of up to 90mph
One was modified to make it one of the fastest ever that has been seized
Police have confirmed they seized a large number of illegal e-bikes and scooters in a city-wide crackdown into the use of the vehicles in Cardiff and Barry. The operation, by South Wales Police and Cardiff Council, saw 62 mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs), e-scooters and off-road bikes seized in one day.
The initiative also saw one modified mountain bike MPV seized which was found to be capable of reaching 90mph, making it the fastest ever that has been seized in a joint operation between the two organisations.
South Wales Police also revealed that the operation, on Thursday, October 16, followed their successful summer operation where 135 MPVs were seized. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
In August, another operation between the council and police resulted in 24 e-bikes and e-scooters being removed from Cardiff streets in just one afternoon.
Inspector Tim Ursell of South Wales Police urged road users to make sure they are fully aware of the law. He said: "Unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters is not only illegal but also puts pedestrians and road users at serious risk.
"The impact of anti-social e-bike riders on the communities is regularly raised as a concern.
"Generally, the people we stop are oblivious to the law. They are typically delivery drivers, commuters looking for cheap travel or young people who see it as a trend.
"We urge the public to please understand the law and make safe, legal choices."
The bikes will now be crushed and recycled.
Last month, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) warned that the increased use of the electric transport options were making the streets a "nightmare" for blind people where they are ridden or parked on pavements.
Research from the charity revealed how more than a third of respondents to their survey said they had collided with a street obstacle in the past three months.
The charity's policy lead for travel and transport, said it's getting harder for blind and partially sighted pedestrians and wheelchair users to move independently because of "more and more obstacles on the streets".