Police have confiscated a total of ten illegal electric vehicles during a targeted operation in West London, removing what authorities describe as dangerous and unregulated machines from public roads.
Joint Operation Targets Dangerous Vehicles
Officers from the Metropolitan Police joined forces with Hounslow Council to conduct spot checks across key locations, including Chiswick High Road and Hounslow High Street. The operation resulted in the seizure of seven illegal e-bikes and three e-scooters.
Council officials revealed that one of the confiscated electric bikes had been modified to reach speeds exceeding 60mph - nearly four times the legal limit of 15.5mph permitted for such vehicles on public roads. Many of the seized bikes featured powerful, unregulated motors that posed significant risks to both riders and pedestrians.
Growing Problem Across the Capital
The crackdown comes as concerns about unregulated electric vehicles intensify across London. Transport for London has banned all electric bikes and scooters from its services due to fire safety risks associated with modified batteries and electrical systems.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport at Hounslow Council, stated: "Illegal e-bikes put lives at risk. These operations show how closely the Council and the Police are working together to keep people safe."
She added that the council fully supports recent calls from London Councils for urgent government action and new legislation to tackle the growing problem of illegal e-bikes and unsafe batteries.
Continued Enforcement Promised
Police Constable Mustafa Jameel of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the success of the joint operations, noting: "Our joint operations with Hounslow Council last week resulted in several illegal e-bikes being taken off the streets. Many were fitted with unsafe or high-powered motors."
He emphasized that these vehicles not only break the law but actively endanger both riders and the wider public. Authorities have committed to continuing these enforcement efforts across the borough to address what they describe as a worsening issue.
The crackdown follows increasing complaints from residents about dangerously modified electric bikes being used on public roads and cycle paths, prompting the coordinated response from police and council officials.
