Illegal E-Bikes and Sur-Ron Bikes

Illegal E-Bikes and Sur-Ron Bikes

Neighbourhood Policing Teams have received concerns from residents regarding the unsafe and illegal use of electric bikes, including high-powered Sur-Ron style bikes, in public spaces across our communities.

While many electric bikes are perfectly legal and provide an environmentally friendly mode of transport, some vehicles being used on our roads, footpaths and parks do not meet legal requirements and can pose a significant risk to public safety.

What Makes an E-Bike Illegal?

A legal electric bike must:

Have working pedals.

Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts.

Stop providing electrical assistance when travelling above 15.5mph (25km/h).

If an e-bike has been modified to travel faster, has a more powerful motor, or can be ridden solely by a throttle without pedalling, it may be classed as a motor vehicle.

What About Sur-Ron Bikes?

Sur-Ron and similar electric motorcycles are often designed for off-road use. When ridden on public roads, cycle paths, parks, footpaths or other public places, they must meet the same legal requirements as a motorcycle, including:

Registration with the DVLA.

Valid insurance.

A driving licence.

Compliance with road traffic laws.

Many of the bikes reported to police do not meet these requirements and are therefore being used illegally.

Why Are We Concerned?

Illegal and anti-social riding can:

Put pedestrians, cyclists and other road users at risk.

Cause alarm and distress within local communities.

Damage parks, open spaces and public footpaths.

Increase the likelihood of serious injury to riders and members of the public.

What Action Can Police Take?

Where offences are identified, police may:

Seize vehicles being ridden without insurance.

Report riders for driving licence and traffic offences.

Take action against anti-social or dangerous riding.

Work with partner agencies to identify repeat offenders and hotspot locations.

How You Can Help

We encourage residents to report incidents involving illegal e-bikes or Sur-Ron bikes. If it is safe to do so, please provide:

The location, date and time.

A description of the rider and vehicle.

Photographs or video footage where available.

Details of the direction of travel.

In an emergency, or where there is an immediate danger to the public, always call 999.

Key Message

Electric bikes can be a safe and legal form of transport when used responsibly. However, riders using illegally modified e-bikes or unregistered Sur-Ron style motorcycles on public roads and public spaces risk having their vehicle seized and may face prosecution.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to target illegal and dangerous use of these vehicles to help keep our communities safe.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Helen Green
(Police, Police Constable, York NPT)