Police seize 62 illegal e-bikes in one day across Cardiff

More than 60 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized in a single day across Cardiff and Barry in a major operation to make the streets safer.

Among them was a modified mountain bike capable of reaching 90 miles per hour – the fastest ever seized in a joint operation between South Wales Police and Cardiff Council.

The bike was one of 11 seized in Ely and Fairwater, 12 in the city centre, and another 17 in Cardiff Bay last Thursday (October 16). More were seized in Roath, Cathays, Rumney, St Mellons and Barry.

In total, 62 illegal mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) – also known as illegal e-bikes and scooters – were seized. They will now be crushed and recycled.

Inspector Tim Ursell said: “Unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters is not only illegal but also puts pedestrians and road users at serious risk. The impact of anti-social e-bike riders on the communities is regularly raised as a concern. Generally, the people we stop are oblivious to the law. They are typically delivery drivers, commuters looking for cheap travel or young people who see it as a trend. We urge the public to please understand the law and make safe, legal choices.”

Thursday’s operation follows a successful summer operation which resulted in 135 MPVs being seized.