Southend police seize illegal e-bikes from food delivery riders & others in city centre crackdown

Police in Southend have reportedly seized a number of electric bikes and e-scooters from food delivery riders and other members of the public as part of a widening crackdown on illegal use of electric vehicles in the city centre.

Officers were seen in Southend High Street recently stopping and confiscating illegal e-bikes used by riders believed to work for Just Eat and Deliveroo. Several were found to be using unregulated bikes with modified motors or throttle systems, which are illegal to ride without registration, insurance and a licence.

The enforcement is part of a broader police effort in Southend targeting people using e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes in ways that breach UK road laws. Many of the vehicles are being ridden in busy pedestrian areas and shopping zones, creating safety concerns for pedestrians.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We’re continuing to crack down on road-related anti-social behaviour, to help keep you safe with more seizures of e-scooters and illegal e-bikes in recent weeks.

“As part of our ongoing work to address the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters in Southend, we are continuing to focus our patrols in the city centre.”

The spokesperson warned that “if officers see someone using a privately owned e-scooter in Southend, the scooter will be seized and not returned.” Offenders could also receive a fine or penalty points on their driving licence.

The rules on riding e-bikes in the UK

Recent enforcement efforts have focused in particular on people that ride electric bikes that fall outside legal definitions. Under UK law, an electric bike can only be ridden without a licence if:

• The rider is aged 14 or over
• The motor output is limited to 250 watts
• The motor only assists while the rider is pedalling (not with a throttle)
• The motor stops assisting at 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
• Manufacturer details and compliance markings are shown on the frame

Anything more powerful is legally a moped or motorcycle and requires registration, insurance, a helmet and a valid driving licence.

Many of the bikes used by riders in Southend appear to be imported or converted models with throttle systems or high-capacity batteries. Some are fitted with overseas-made kits that do not comply with UK safety standards and have been linked to fire risks in other parts of the country.

A local resident said: “I’ve seen these bikes speeding through the High Street and almost knocking people over. It’s not all riders, but some of them are clearly using bikes that have too much power.”

Public also warned over illegal e-scooters

Police have also stressed that privately owned e-scooters are also being seized. These e-scooters scooters remain illegal to ride in any public place – including pavements, parks and roads – unless part of an official government-backed rental trial. Southend is not currently part of any such scheme, meaning all privately owned e-scooters used in public are currently breaking the law.

“Sadly, people are continuing to use them in public places, and this is increasingly causing safety concerns for the local community,” the Essex Police spokesperson added.

“This issue is raised at every meeting and event we attend.”