A rider caught on an illegally modified e-bike has had it seized after driving it without insurance, tax or a valid licence.
On Friday, August 8, the Specials Road Safety Unit, part of Wiltshire Police, stopped the e-bike 'that wasn't quite what it seemed' in Melksham.
Upon further inspection, officers realised it had been illegally modified with an electric motor and the pedals had been disabled, meaning it has to be classed as a motor vehicle and therefore requires registration, insurance and a valid licence.
As the rider had failed to comply with these requirements, the bike was seized.
Read more:
Van driver fined for breaking key rule when driving with a dog'Historic sword' stolen from Longleat Wildlife Park
Two teenage girls arrested for 'stalking' after shopping centre incident
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "On Friday 8 August, our Specials Road Safety Unit stopped an e-bike that wasn’t quite what it seemed.
"This wasn’t a standard pedal-assisted bike. It had been illegally modified with a powerful electric motor and the pedals had been disabled. That means it was classed as a motor vehicle, requiring registration, insurance and a valid licence.
"The rider had none of these. They’ve been reported for the offences and the bike has been seized.
"Reminder: If you modify your e-bike beyond legal limits, you’ll need insurance, tax, and a licence."
Share