The Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing team are advising people to be aware of the rules around electric bikes after the public continue to report illegal and anti-social use in Carlisle.
Operation Denote targets the illegal use of electric bikes and off-road motorbikes. The Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing team will be working with the forces Roads Policing Unit throughout the summer to target such activity.
Inspector Andy Leather from Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team said “Our communities continue to report issues with illegal and anti-social use of electric bikes and off-road bikes.
“Whilst we understand there are those who use electric bikes legally, we are urging people to understand the laws and make sure their bikes are legal.
“These aren’t toys and can cause serious injury to riders or other path or road users if ridden irresponsibly.
“Those engaging in illegal activity may find their bike is seized, issued with a fine or are given a court date.”
The issues reported to officers include riding on pavements, anti-social use and concerns around public safety.
E-bikes and the law
• You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it is an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC). If it doesn’t meet the definition of an EAPC, it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped and must be registered, taxed, insured and you must have licence to ride it.
An EAPC must:
- Have pedals that can be used to propel it.
- Show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor.
- Show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike.
- Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts.
- Not have a motor able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph.
• You do not need a licence to ride an EAPC and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
• EAPCs can be ridden on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed. They cannot be ridden on pavements.
Find out more on the law - Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Anyone with information about the use of illegal electric bikes and off-road bikes can report online here – Report antisocial behaviour | Cumbria Police
You can also report to officers on 101.