When is an ebike not an ebike? When it has a powerful illegal engine. Get this menace off our roads

Confusion on the Streets

As a cyclist who has spent countless hours navigating urban landscapes, I have become increasingly alarmed by what I observe on our roads. The proliferation of so-called "ebikes" is no longer just a matter of convenience or choice—it's becoming a serious safety hazard.

One of the curiosities of debates about cycling in the UK is that almost all of them centre on the place with the greatest concentration of not only bikes but also politicians and journalists: inner London. Inevitably this is just a small part of the story.

"The real issue lies not with share bikes or legal ebikes, but with illegal machines that are often designed to look like motorbikes."

The distinction between legal and illegal electric vehicles has become dangerously blurred. To be officially classified as an ebike, a machine must have a powered speed limit of 15.5mph and a motor that only kicks in when you pedal, not via a throttle. Yet wander around any UK town or city long enough, and you'll see machines that defy these very rules.

These aren't ebikes—they're illegal electric motorbikes, equipped with throttle-controlled motors capable of reaching speeds far exceeding legal limits. The problem is compounded by the fact that these vehicles often appear deceptively similar to standard bicycles, complete with pedals and chains.

The True Threat

What troubles me most isn't the occasional nuisance caused by Lime or Forest riders—though they are frustratingly common. It's the danger posed by the illegal machines that cruise our roads at 30mph or more, silently overtaking pedestrians and cyclists without warning.

I've personally witnessed one such machine, a moped-weight gizmo with a powerful engine that could easily overtake a car. Its silent operation made it nearly impossible to detect until it was too late. This is not just an annoyance—it's a threat.

These illegal machines are often heavier than standard ebikes and frequently equipped with poorly made batteries prone to catching fire. Some rail companies are even considering bans on all ebikes, which would be a devastating blow to legal cycling infrastructure.

A Government Failure

This situation reveals a deeper issue: inadequate law enforcement. We've got a regulatory framework designed to keep the peace, but it's being systematically ignored by those willing to profit from illegal activity.

The government has failed to adequately crack down on food-delivery services reliant on these dangerous machines. As I've reported in my investigations, many drivers are forced to use illegal ebikes simply because they can't afford legal alternatives or because the regulations have not kept pace with the rapid growth of this industry.

What's especially concerning is how these illegal modifications often bypass safety standards entirely. The lack of oversight has created a market where profit trumps safety, and ordinary citizens pay the price in increased risk of injury and death.

I've spoken with local police officers who confirm that enforcement efforts are hampered by limited resources and unclear legal frameworks. Without dedicated attention to identifying and removing these illegal machines, we're essentially allowing them to operate with impunity.

The Conflation Problem

One of the most frustrating aspects of this debate is the conflation of legitimate ebike use with illegal machines. This mischaracterization has led to restrictive policies that harm everyone—cyclists, businesses, and local communities alike.

Legal ebikes have proven their value in improving accessibility for people who might not otherwise cycle. They've helped expand cycling participation among demographics typically excluded from urban transportation options. The fact that a small minority of illegal machines are causing such controversy shouldn't overshadow the benefits of responsible innovation.

The media often focuses on sensational stories about ebike-related accidents, but rarely does it examine the actual root causes. In most cases, these incidents involve the same illegal machines we're discussing here—not the share bikes that are merely misusing public space.

What Needs to Change

We must start treating this problem like the serious public safety issue it is. This means stricter enforcement and clearer penalties for those who knowingly modify their vehicles beyond legal limits.

Additionally, I believe we need better support systems for delivery workers who rely on electric transport. Instead of criminalizing them, let's create a framework that allows for safe, legal alternatives that don't put pedestrians at risk.

Lawmakers should also revisit the current classification system to ensure it's robust enough to prevent loopholes. This isn't about banning innovation—it's about ensuring public safety first and foremost.

The cycling community has made tremendous strides in recent years, but we can't let a few bad actors undermine our progress. I'm calling for an urgent review of enforcement practices and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights of cyclists while holding violators accountable.

Conclusion

This isn't just about bikes—it's about responsibility, accountability, and public safety. When we allow illegal machines to dominate our roads, we're compromising not only the safety of cyclists but also the integrity of the entire transportation ecosystem.

The problem is real, and it's urgent. We can no longer afford to ignore the threat posed by these dangerous contraptions. It's time for decisive action from both law enforcement and policymakers to restore clarity, ensure compliance, and protect everyone on our streets.