West London Man Receives Driving Ban After Fatal Shepherd's Bush Crash Involving Illegal E-Bike
A West London man has been convicted of driving offences and banned from driving for six months following a fatal collision involving an illegally modified e-bike in Shepherd's Bush. Henry Morgan, 61, of Shepherd's Bush, was riding a bicycle that had been fitted with a throttle enabling it to reach speeds of up to 27mph when he collided with a pedestrian on Uxbridge Road on February 28 last year.
Judge Issues Stern Warning About Modified E-Bike Dangers
District Judge Michael Snow delivered a powerful warning about the "frightening" dangers posed by illegally modified e-bikes during sentencing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. While acknowledging that Morgan faced no charges over the fatal accident itself, the judge emphasized the broader safety concerns these vehicles present on London's roads.
"It's become a common sight for all of us who travel around London on bikes, on foot or in vehicles to see these electric bikes, which have been modified, tearing around at frightening speed, causing clearly significant danger to other persons," Judge Snow stated in his sentencing remarks.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The court heard that Morgan had been overtaking a bus when he collided with a man in his 60s who was attempting to cross Uxbridge Road. The pedestrian, who was from Ealing, sustained a head injury and tragically died in hospital on April 2 following the February 28 incident.
Prosecutor Robert Simpson revealed that Morgan's e-bike had been modified with an illegal battery-powered throttle that allowed it to operate without pedaling, effectively transforming it into a motorcycle. Legally, e-bike motors must cut out when reaching 15.5mph, but Morgan's modified vehicle could achieve speeds nearly double that limit.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Morgan pleaded guilty to four driving offences:
- Using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance
- Driving a motor vehicle without a valid license
- Driving a motorcycle using an appliance of a type not prescribed
- Failing to wear appropriate protective headgear while riding a motorcycle
Judge Snow imposed a six-month driving ban, a £240 fine, and ordered Morgan to pay £85 in costs plus a £96 victim surcharge. The judge acknowledged that the penalty might appear "pathetically small" given that a death occurred, but emphasized that Morgan faced no charges related to causing the fatal accident.
Defense Arguments and Remorse
Morgan's defense lawyer, Robert Grey, argued that his client had purchased the Riverside e-bike from sports retailer Decathlon in an already modified state and was unaware of the legal requirements for riding such a vehicle.
"This offence was borne out of ignorance," Grey told the court. "He didn't appreciate he needed a licence and didn't appreciate he needed insurance. He was wearing headgear but it wasn't deemed sufficient once the e-bike becomes a motor vehicle."
Grey emphasized that Morgan had not been found responsible "in any way" for causing the road traffic accident and had been "fully cooperative" with police investigators. The lawyer also noted that Morgan had expressed genuine remorse and had been deeply worried about being accused of causing the pedestrian's death.
Broader Implications for London Road Safety
Judge Snow used the case to highlight the wider dangers posed by illegally modified e-bikes across London. "This case does represent a salutary warning of the dangers which road users in London face at the hands of bicycles which have been adapted in this way, causing a clear and obvious risk," he stated.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers and London Ambulance Service responded to the collision at 13:28 hours on February 28. The pedestrian received treatment at the scene before being transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Since the accident, Morgan has not attempted to ride the seized e-bike or any similar vehicle, according to his legal representation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding e-bike modifications and the serious consequences that can result from operating vehicles that exceed legal speed limits and safety requirements.
