A rider on a modified electric mountain bike has been caught travelling at an alarming speed while pedalling uphill — prompting swift action from local road policing officers.
Northamptonshire’s Roads Policing Team (Northants_RPT) shared details of the unusual encounter on social media, saying the rider had raised eyebrows after appearing to pedal at 30mph uphill, jokingly suggesting they might be in training for the Tour de France.
However, officers quickly discovered the real reason behind the suspicious speed — the bike had been illegally modified, featuring a powerful 1,000-watt motor and a throttle, classifying it as a motor vehicle under UK law.
The rider, who only held a provisional driving licence and had no insurance, was stopped and reported for multiple offences. The illegal e-bike was also seized at the scene.
Offences identified:
- Use of a 1,000w electric motor, far exceeding the UK’s 250w legal limit for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs)
- Throttle use, which is not permitted on legal EAPCs
- No insurance
- Riding without a full driving licence
Outcome:
- Bike seized
- Rider reported
A spokesperson for the Roads Policing Team said:
“These types of illegally modified electric bikes pose a danger not only to the rider but to other road users. If a bike can reach 30mph without proper controls or safety checks, it should be registered, insured, and ridden by a licensed individual.”
Authorities are continuing to warn riders that e-bikes with motors above 250 watts or those that can operate without pedalling are classed as mopeds or motorbikes, and must comply with vehicle registration laws.
Know the law:
To be legal for use on public roads without tax or insurance, an e-bike must:
- Have a motor of 250w or less
- Only assist while pedalling
- Cut off assistance at 15.5mph
Officers are urging the public to check the legality of their e-bikes and avoid dangerous modifications.
