Illegal e-bike seizures jump 83% in UK as calls grow for stricter laws

Police seizures of illegal e-bikes across the United Kingdom have surged by 83 percent in a single year, according to new data, prompting calls from law enforcement, politicians, and charities for stricter legislation to curb the use of the dangerous vehicles. Forces confiscated 7,049 e-bikes in the 12 months leading to May 19, 2026, compared to 3,858 during the previous year, figures obtained under freedom of information laws revealed. The sharp increase comes amid growing concerns over serious injuries and deaths linked to modified machines capable of exceeding 70mph.

The data, which represents responses from 31 of the UK's 45 police forces, shows a nationwide crackdown. The Metropolitan Police recorded the highest number of seizures, confiscating 2,367 e-bikes, followed by Leicestershire Police with 661 and Police Scotland with 585. Eleven forces, including Northumbria, South Yorkshire, and Thames Valley, saw their seizure numbers more than double year-on-year. In Northumbria, seizures rose from 90 to 262, while in South Yorkshire they increased from 126 to 267.

The figures have intensified a campaign for new laws to address what officials describe as a significant public...