A cyclist on a souped-up electric mountain bike was clocked speeding uphill at a shocking 30mph — sparking an immediate crackdown by Northamptonshire’s Roads Policing Team.
Tour de France or Trouble?
Social media went wild when the rider was spotted pedalling uphill like a pro, prompting police to quip they might be training for the Tour de France. But the real story was far more serious.
Illegal E-Bike Uncovered
Officers discovered the bike was no ordinary e-bike. It had been illegally modified with a beefy 1,000-watt motor and a throttle, pushing it beyond legal limits and categorising it as a motor vehicle under UK law.
- Far exceeds the UK’s legal motor limit of 250 watts for electric pedal cycles.
- Throttle use is banned on legal e-bikes.
Multiple Offences, One Seized Bike
The rider held only a provisional driving licence and was uninsured. Police stopped him and reported him for numerous offences before seizing the illegal e-bike on the spot.
- Use of a 1,000w motor
- Throttle operation not allowed
- No insurance
- Riding without a full licence
Police Warning
“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 stress that e-bikes with motors above 250w or those that can run without pedalling are legally mopeds or motorbikes. They must follow strict vehicle registration, tax, and insurance laws.
Know the Rules
To be legal on UK roads without tax or insurance, an e-bike must:
- Have a motor no stronger than 250 watts
- Assist only while pedalling
- Cut motor assistance at 15.5 mph
Police urge riders to check their e-bikes for compliance and avoid risky mods that could land them in hot water.
