POLICE officers have issued a warning on the misuse of electric bikes after one was seized in Birkenhead town centre.

In a Facebook post, Wirral Police said: "Local Policing officers regularly receive complaints from the public regarding electric bikes being used in a dangerous manner.

"We go out of our way to deal with those riding in a dangerous manner and to remove illegally adapted pedal cycles from the streets.

"The bike pictured here has just been seized by our officers in Birkenhead town centre."

Information around the law regarding electric bikes can be found on the DVLA website here: https://orlo.uk/eADoN

According to the DVLA website:

You can ride an electric bike if you are 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.

These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

What counts as an EAPC An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

The power output the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

  • The battery’s voltage the maximum speed of the bike Its electric motor
  • Must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
  • Should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph
  • An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle)

Where you can ride

If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

Other kinds of electric bike Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed.

You will need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

Getting vehicle approval for your electric bike

An electric bike must be type approved if either:

it can be propelled without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC) it does not meet the EAPC rules This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it.

If it’s been type approved, it will have a plate showing its type approval number.