Police Check

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
21,667
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I have heard this too , not really fair if some one does not have a licence .

If the government wants more people to ditch cars then they need to find ways of keeping cyclists and EPACS Moving .

That said I have had my fair share of Two wheel traffic jams in Saigon especially on a holiday when most Vietnamese head out onto the streets for fun .
The MET have been conducting policies against riders breaking traffic rules and have been using cycle mounted plods as well, Red light running being the main issue.
They are also checking legality.
 

Tony1951

Pedelecer
Jul 29, 2025
216
57
The sad thing is that if so many had not been riding dangerously, blatantly ignoring the law on e-bike standards, causing nuisance and harm to others, none of these campaigns by police would be happening. We would be riding along happily, minding our own business and not getting concerned about being stopped.

As usual, the ignorant, stupid and inconsiderate, bring regulation and enforcement down on everybody else.

I suppose the way to avoid having an interaction with the police is to make sure your bike meets the requirement, and to ride it responsibly, avoiding pedestrianised areas in town centres. That way, I'd say you are very unlikely to be stopped and having a problematic conversation with someone in uniform who only half understands the rules.
 

Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
26
The sad thing is that if so many had not been riding dangerously, blatantly ignoring the law on e-bike standards, causing nuisance and harm to others, none of these campaigns by police would be happening. We would be riding along happily, minding our own business and not getting concerned about being stopped.

As usual, the ignorant, stupid and inconsiderate, bring regulation and enforcement down on everybody else.

I suppose the way to avoid having an interaction with the police is to make sure your bike meets the requirement, and to ride it responsibly, avoiding pedestrianised areas in town centres. That way, I'd say you are very unlikely to be stopped and having a problematic conversation with someone in uniform who only half understands the rules.
Yes totally agree , with these comments that why I took the thumb e throttle off my bike even though its set to road legal when it was on just do not need the unwanted attention.

I am not One who would usually advocate for more regulations but I think Commercial Delivery Riders and say any one who wants to use e bikes that have a bit more speed within reason and probably need more commercially built bikes should be able to say get a bike that does need to be registered as a motor Vehicle , but could still have a number plate and an owner registration document have at least third party insurance but does not need all the regulations ie a motor bike license or tax for instance but would need to adhere to the rules of the road pertaining to motor bike use .
So it would not be considered a cycle but also not considered a full blown Motor Cycle

IE a new category of EPAC able to do say 25MPh under power with some regulations and restrictions as I feel the current Moped regulations where really put in place for internal combustion engines .
And there are a fair amount of people who would like just a bit more power speed and an e throttle that matches the top speed of the bike when pedals are used without going to get a regulation test so a compromise.
 

Tony1951

Pedelecer
Jul 29, 2025
216
57
I don't think the delivery riders need an e-bike that goes faster than the regulations allow, and I don't think they need a more powerful motor than is allowed, so I am not sure about the suggestions you made.

Any rider who wants to go at moped speed can just get a Chinese moped and be done with it. It won't even cost them much, and the test requirements are really basic.

Loads of these chaps do exactly that. I see them, loading up mopeds and 125cc bikes outside the local coop in Newcastle when I am there, and they go about doing their thing in a legal and sensible way. It is no big deal to apply for a moped licence. It is a bit more onerous to pass a 125 test, but it isn't a big deal and the costs are slight.


I have no tolerance at all for the ones who are streaking about on 1 hp, non pedalled e-bikes on pavements and pedestrian only areas. Not only are they a nuisance to the public, and possibly a danger, but they have brought a terrible reputation on e-bikes generally, as you and I agree.
 
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saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
9,317
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Telford
I don't think the delivery riders need an e-bike that goes faster than the regulations allow, and I don't think they need a more powerful motor than is allowed, so I am not sure about the suggestions you made.

Any rider who wants to go at moped speed can just get a Chinese moped and be done with it. It won't even cost them much, and the test requirements are really basic.

Loads of these chaps do exactly that. I see them, loading up mopeds and 125cc bikes outside the local coop in Newcastle when I am there, and they go about doing their thing in a legal and sensible way. It is no big deal to apply for a moped licence. It is a bit more onerous to pass a 125 test, but it isn't a big deal and the costs are slight.


I have no tolerance at all for the ones who are streaking about on 1 hp, non pedalled e-bikes on pavements and pedestrian only areas. Not only are they a nuisance to the public, and possibly a danger, but they have brought a terrible reputation on e-bikes generally, as you and I agree.
If you look at the videos of delivery riders, you'll see that the majority look decidedly foreign, and it has been proven that some of the migrants staying in hotels are operating illegally as delivery riders. I personally don't have any proof, but a little birdie told me that there are gangmasters who provide the ebikes for these guys, and they charge rent on them. The riders themselves know nothing about the bikes, the laws or anything like that. I'm not saying all delivery riders are illegal immigrants. I know that many aren't. I have no information on the numbers, but from what I have seen, what the little birdie told me fits nicely for a lot of them.

Since the police have started cracking down, I've noticed that the big pancake motors seen at the migrant hotels have been mainly replaced with geared motors. As you know, it's now possible to buy "250w" bikes with motors and labels indicating 250w, that appear to have the same motors as others marked 500w or 750w, the same as on a couple of my bikes. Anyway, it's not the power that matters. It's the speed. The point is that the gig economy is very dark. A lot of dodgy things happen in it.

I'm pretty sure that the majority of delivery riders are not in a position to get a licensed moped, whether it's because of their immigration status or the affordability, but what prevents it most is the traceability through the licence plate. The license plate would solve a lot in terms of regulation, but the industry would temporarily collapse because none of the riders don't want to be regulated or it's not viable for them to be regulated.

The police are starting to deal with the illegal high speed of the delivery bikes and theye're restricting them in pedestrian areas, but that still leaves a lot that regulation could improve.
 

Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
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If you look at the videos of delivery riders, you'll see that the majority look decidedly foreign, and it has been proven that some of the migrants staying in hotels are operating illegally as delivery riders. I personally don't have any proof, but a little birdie told me that there are gangmasters who provide the ebikes for these guys, and they charge rent on them. The riders themselves know nothing about the bikes, the laws or anything like that. I'm not saying all delivery riders are illegal immigrants. I know that many aren't. I have no information on the numbers, but from what I have seen, what the little birdie told me fits nicely for a lot of them.

Since the police have started cracking down, I've noticed that the big pancake motors seen at the migrant hotels have been mainly replaced with geared motors. As you know, it's now possible to buy "250w" bikes with motors and labels indicating 250w, that appear to have the same motors as others marked 500w or 750w, the same as on a couple of my bikes. Anyway, it's not the power that matters. It's the speed. The point is that the gig economy is very dark. A lot of dodgy things happen in it.

I'm pretty sure that the majority of delivery riders are not in a position to get a licensed moped, whether it's because of their immigration status or the affordability, but what prevents it most is the traceability through the licence plate. The license plate would solve a lot in terms of regulation, but the industry would temporarily collapse because none of the riders don't want to be regulated or it's not viable for them to be regulated.

The police are starting to deal with the illegal high speed of the delivery bikes and theye're restricting them in pedestrian areas, but that still leaves a lot that regulation could improve.
I know 100% that a lot not all of the delivery riders are working illegally whilst getting the benefits these migrants get , again the ones who can tell the most convincing lies to stay in the first place are also using food delivery as a cover for selling drugs I have personally seen this on cycles and motorbikes.


With very little being done about it , it’s the same culprit’s who are also leaving the hotels going robbing shops again it’s not only them but they are adding to the problem .

( Incidentally I do not have any problem with people who want to use cannabis although I personally have not smoked any since the year HRH Princesses Diana died )

An illegal high powered e bike is a perfect get away vehicle for a thief that’s the main problem for legal EPAC riders who do not want to get stopped and take the brunt of the current hysteria about cycles with a small motor.

Plenty of u tube videos on this .

That said as soon as it’s mandatory to have a number plate on a cycle is the day I will just use my car again and ditch it , I hate with a vengeance CPZ zones and all the other ways motorists are being unfairly taxed and penalised ie yellow box junctions in the middle of nowhere with enforcement cameras attached .

Where are the cameras to protect cyclists ie on cycling lanes that should have some protection from road hogs .
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
9,317
4,144
Telford
That said as soon as it’s mandatory to have a number plate on a cycle is the day I will just use my car again and ditch it , I hate with a vengeance CPZ zones and all the other ways motorists are being unfairly taxed and penalised ie yellow box junctions in the middle of nowhere with enforcement cameras attached .
What are you going to do when we have 15 minute cities and 20 min neighbourhoods and you're going to need your bike to get around?
 

Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
26
What are you going to do when we have 15 minute cities and 20 min neighbourhoods and you're going to need your bike to get around?
Yes but I already hate driving these days last thing we need is to start applying more regulations it to EPACH’S

I WILL BUILD A DRONE TO FLY FROM A TO B LOL
 

Tony1951

Pedelecer
Jul 29, 2025
216
57
What are you going to do when we have 15 minute cities and 20 min neighbourhoods and you're going to need your bike to get around?
I have been saying elsewhere on the 'Talk to yourself' part of the forum, that there will likely be a great political upheaval in about four years time.

Following such an event if it happens, ideas like 20 minute neighbourhoods and removal of normal freedom from ordinary people will end up in the waste bin. Too many political fanatics forget that they govern by the consent of the people and at the behest of the people. They have convinced themselves that their superior brain power, knowledge and moral rectitude means they need to save the people from themselves (meaning their own stupidity and ignorance). This will, I think come back to bite them at election time.

It would be foolish to be too dogmatic in predicting future trends and election results so far out from the event, but there may be a clue in the recent local election results.

64143


source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2025/england/results
 
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Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
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Yes I can not remember in my life time such a time of political uncertainty, I think a lot of centre thinking people starting to lean towards Reform out of frustration with both Labour and the Tories .

I predicted there would be problems when the levels of immigration started to fan out from what has and is happening in London especially to what we call the white flight areas Ie people who have moved out of cities because they want to live in British Areas and not lose their culture and national identity or be called a Nazi to want this , it’s already happened in most of London .
Have a look at Brent Councils official website there is one token white face a little girl in there melting pot photo of around 10 people !!!!! and she might be mixed race .

Anyway I going over the last pub left in County Cricklewood now for a pint before it becomes a Kebap shop
 

Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
26
Should have said yet another keypad shop or a Barber shop that’s really a laundry for dirty money we have about 6 or 7 now just along the broadway .

I wonder when Mr Manering ( Sir Keir ) is going to smash a gang I do no think he could smash his way out of a paper bag Oh I am back from the Pub
 
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Tony1951

Pedelecer
Jul 29, 2025
216
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Should have said yet another keypad shop or a Barber shop that’s really a laundry for dirty money we have about 6 or 7 now just along the broadway .

I wonder when Mr Manering ( Sir Keir ) is going to smash a gang I do no think he could smash his way out of a paper bag Oh I am back from the Pub
Have you noticed the numbers of 'Turkish Barber's Shops' there are these days. They have a bored looking migrant lad, looking at his phone for most of the day and VERY few customers. Any normal business would shut down, with the level of trade they have. These don't. I can't imagine why they don't close, and there are loads of them.

I wonder what the accounts show in terms of cash business?

Rumours are that some nail bars are running a similar ruse.

It's money laundering.

As in so many areas of the public sector these days, excepting those persecuting the ordinary public - why bother to pursue what is an absolutely obvious drug money laundering scam on a pretty massive scale.
 
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Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
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A lot of the money laundering is for fake goods especially alcohol and cigarettes as well as drugs .

We had an ice cream parlour local was open for about 5 years I never saw a single customer use it .
It was next to the pub so we used to sit and watch even during heatwaves .

I went in there once to buy an ice cream and the guy had to go out back to freezer to get it as there where none in the display freezer .
 

Encantador

Pedelecer
Jul 18, 2008
90
6
I have not read the whole thread but wonder if anyone has a link to the actual legislation the Police are using to confiscate and potentially destroy personal property ie illegal ebikes.

Saw a comment from a guy stopped walking his legal ebike through a town centre, which started me thinking. Does the legislation make it illegal to 'own' an illegal bike, or just to ride one? If the Police had not seen hime riding it and it is not against the law to own one, they had no right to question him.

Lots of stories in the media showing vans full of supposedly illegal bikes. Are all those bikes being tested using some officially authorized test equipment before being destroyed/disposed of?? Surely they can't just rely on the bikes own display without being able to prove it had been calibrated correctly.

Lots of searches just brings up the same rules which we all know, can't find anything that leads me to the legislation that is actually being used.

The legislation might also finally answer the question as to whether a throttle that only goes up to walking speed is actually legal or not.

Thanks
 

lenny

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May 3, 2023
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Baz the balloon man

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 17, 2024
492
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I have not read the whole thread but wonder if anyone has a link to the actual legislation the Police are using to confiscate and potentially destroy personal property ie illegal ebikes.

Saw a comment from a guy stopped walking his legal ebike through a town centre, which started me thinking. Does the legislation make it illegal to 'own' an illegal bike, or just to ride one? If the Police had not seen hime riding it and it is not against the law to own one, they had no right to question him.

Lots of stories in the media showing vans full of supposedly illegal bikes. Are all those bikes being tested using some officially authorized test equipment before being destroyed/disposed of?? Surely they can't just rely on the bikes own display without being able to prove it had been calibrated correctly.

Lots of searches just brings up the same rules which we all know, can't find anything that leads me to the legislation that is actually being used.

The legislation might also finally answer the question as to whether a throttle that only goes up to walking speed is actually legal or not.

Thanks
As it’s potentially a un registered motor vehicle on the Highway then if proven to be so then I would have thought being driven or pushed one would have thought the same laws that apply to the use of any motor vehicle would apply.

If the Police have reasonable cause by the way an EPACH looks to believe it a motor vehicle then I think yes they would have grounds to check it.

But then at that point a person could ask that question as to why are you stopping me .

If the bike turns out in fact to be legal and there are no reasonable grounds ie you are not suspected of having or going to commit a criminal offence then you do not even have to even tell them your name.

On private property you can ride any e bike you choose to so no it’s not illegal to sell or make them for use on private land.

But let’s be realistic just on e bay for instance alone the amount of 1000W PLUS e bikes and parts that are being sold in real terms far outstrips the amount of normal people who have access to private country estate’s or private race tracks I am not aware of many inner city speedways available for public use or race tracks say the old race track site in Surrey for instance .

Not sure how much off road sports are being carried out in the UK on private or designated public events for high powered e bike MBT’s but it does look like fun on U Tube .
 

mr rusty

Just Joined
Jul 15, 2025
1
0
The legislation might also finally answer the question as to whether a throttle that only goes up to walking speed is actually legal or not.
I have a Decathlon R500E cargo bike which has a throttle described as start assist on their website for when you have a heavy payload. It also has the conformity label showing full conformity to the harmonized EU directive EN15194, describes all the power/speed etc. info and carries both the CE and UKCA standards conformity mark.

Even if the UK legislation is a bit confused, I think you would have a prima facie case against Decathlon for selling a product not fit for purpose, should you ever get pulled. Not that it's happened to me but I would hope the conformity plate would be enough to show it is legal.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
9,317
4,144
Telford
I have not read the whole thread but wonder if anyone has a link to the actual legislation the Police are using to confiscate and potentially destroy personal property ie illegal ebikes.

Saw a comment from a guy stopped walking his legal ebike through a town centre, which started me thinking. Does the legislation make it illegal to 'own' an illegal bike, or just to ride one? If the Police had not seen hime riding it and it is not against the law to own one, they had no right to question him.

Lots of stories in the media showing vans full of supposedly illegal bikes. Are all those bikes being tested using some officially authorized test equipment before being destroyed/disposed of?? Surely they can't just rely on the bikes own display without being able to prove it had been calibrated correctly.

Lots of searches just brings up the same rules which we all know, can't find anything that leads me to the legislation that is actually being used.

The legislation might also finally answer the question as to whether a throttle that only goes up to walking speed is actually legal or not.

Thanks
It's very simple. The Government have laid down the rules for which type of electric bike you can ride. If it doesn't comply with those rules, it becomes a motor vehicle that needs licence, insurance, MOT, helmet, L-plates and must meet the construction and use regulations. If they catch you now, they nearly always seize the bike, and in some instances, they throw the book at you.

You cannot ride a non-compliant bike anywhere on public land. That includes fields, parks, footpaths, cycle ways and green lanes. The police have the right to stop and check you in any of those places and on the road, and if your bike is non-compliant, you must give your personal details.

Basically, there is no escape.

All ebike "throttles" are allowed because they're not actually throttles. The legislation makes it clear that what you call a throttle is allowed to work independently up to 6km/hr. What's not allowed is any system that allows you to get power without pedalling above 6km/hr whether you do it with a button, a "throttle" or telekinesis.

I can't understand why people can't get these very simple rules into their heads. I guess it's paradigms that make them think that the twist device on a bike is a throttle, like on a motorbike,but it's not. It's just a sensor to give an input to the controller, the same as a pedal sensor, control panel up and down buttons, speed sensor or torque sensor. A throttle regulates air into an internal combustion engine. there is no air going into an ebike motor.
 
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saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
9,317
4,144
Telford
As it’s potentially a un registered motor vehicle on the Highway then if proven to be so then I would have thought being driven or pushed one would have thought the same laws that apply to the use of any motor vehicle would apply.

If the Police have reasonable cause by the way an EPACH looks to believe it a motor vehicle then I think yes they would have grounds to check it.

But then at that point a person could ask that question as to why are you stopping me .

If the bike turns out in fact to be legal and there are no reasonable grounds ie you are not suspected of having or going to commit a criminal offence then you do not even have to even tell them your name.

On private property you can ride any e bike you choose to so no it’s not illegal to sell or make them for use on private land.

But let’s be realistic just on e bay for instance alone the amount of 1000W PLUS e bikes and parts that are being sold in real terms far outstrips the amount of normal people who have access to private country estate’s or private race tracks I am not aware of many inner city speedways available for public use or race tracks say the old race track site in Surrey for instance .

Not sure how much off road sports are being carried out in the UK on private or designated public events for high powered e bike MBT’s but it does look like fun on U Tube .
They don't need reasonable grounds, they can check any vehicle, including EAPCs whenever they want.