Henry Morgan’s bike had been fitted with a throttle to reach a speed of 27mph – legally e-bikes should cut out at 15.5mph [PA Media]
An e-bike rider involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian in west London has been fined and banned from driving, as a judge hit out at cyclists “tearing around at frightening speed” on modified bikes.
Henry Morgan, 61, of Shepherd’s Bush, was overtaking a bus when he hit the pedestrian on Uxbridge Road on 28 February 2025. The man, aged in his 60s, later died from a head injury.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard Morgan had faced a criminal investigation over the death but it was found that he was not to blame for the crash.
Morgan admitted driving the vehicle without a licence or insurance, using an illegally enhanced e-bike, and failing to wear appropriate protective headgear.
Morgan was banned from driving for six months and fined £240.
‘Significant danger’
Morgan hit the pedestrian as he attempted to cross the road, the court heard.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the man was taken to hospital with a head injury. He died on 2 April.
“The penalty I give will look, given there was a death, pathetically small,” District Judge Michael Snow said, while acknowledging that Morgan faced no charges over the fatal accident itself.
He added: “It’s become a common sight for all of us who travel around London on bikes, on foot or in vehicles to see these electric bikes, which have been modified, tearing around at frightening speed, causing clearly significant danger to other persons.
“This is not to say Mr Morgan was guilty of that type of behaviour, I have no evidence of that detail in front of me.
“This case does represent a salutary warning of the dangers which road users in London face at the hands of bicycles which have been adapted in this way, causing [a] clear and obvious risk.”
‘Borne out of ignorance’
Prosecutor Robert Simpson told the court Morgan’s e-bike had been modified to be capable of reaching speeds up to 27mph – almost twice the legal speed limit – effectively turning it into a motorcycle.
Legally, e-bike motors must cut out at 15.5mph (25 km/h).
The court heard Morgan’s bike had been fitted with illegal, battery-powered throttle, which enables an e-bike to operate without its rider pedalling.
Morgan’s barrister Robert Grey said the defendant bought the bike in an already modified state and that he did not know insurance or a licence were required.
“This offence was borne out of ignorance,” Grey said.
“I hope you will accept he was genuinely remorseful.
“He has been very worried about being accused of causing the death of this individual.”
Morgan was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £96 victim surcharge.
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