News Article – Devon & Cornwall Police

An e-motorbike being ridden on the pavement and an illegally modified e-bike that could reach speeds of up to 35mph have been seized by police officers last week following proactive patrols in St Austell.

The activity forms part of the police’s ongoing response to community concerns in the town around e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motorbikes being ridden in a dangerous and unlawful manner.

The law states e-bikes cannot be ridden on pavements and must only be ridden on cycle paths or anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

E-motorbikes must only be ridden on the road with a valid driving license and insurance.  

PS Martin Easter, from the St Austell Neighbourhood policing team, said: “We don’t get joy from seizing these expensive bits of kit off people, but when the safety of other road users and pedestrians, or even the riders themselves is at risk, it’s important that we take action to protect the public.

“The e-motorbike was seized early last week after we ran a plain clothes operation to identify riders using e-modes of transport unsafely or illegally. These vehicles can reach speeds up to 60 mph, so using them on foot or cycle paths poses a real risk of serious injury.

“The e-bike was seized later on in the week after a PCSO on patrol in the town spotted an illegal motor fitted to the bike, held together with bright yellow tape. This modification meant it could reach speeds of up to 35mph.”

Commenting on the importance of work like this, PS Easter added: “Our goal is to keep everyone safe in our communities.

“Our team will continue to educate people around how to use these vehicles safely and in line with the law, and carry out proactive work like this to target those who actively choose to break it.”

The majority of people continue to ride their e-bikes and e-motorbikes safely; it’s the minority who have made illegal modifications or use them carelessly that action is being taken against.

If members of the public suspect someone is using an e-bike, e-motorbike or e-scooter illegally, please report it to the police.

Report online here: Report | Devon & Cornwall Police

If there is immediate danger, call 999.

You can also share information 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

For more information around the laws and regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters, visit: What you need to know: electric bikes | Devon & Cornwall Police 

Published 30 March 2026.