We have all seen them whizzing past pedestrians and traffic alike at 30-45mph and they are the preferred method of delivery for many drug couriers at street level. Illegal bikes with conversion kit motors often have dubious home chargers in use at home, or commercial premises, which is another set of fire risks for insurers to consider.
But what can be done to physically stop them? A special e-bike Police squad perhaps, or drones to follow them home? It’s a tough problem for the UK government Here’s the word;
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), joined by a coalition of road safety, industry and transport stakeholders, has warned Ministers that the rapid growth of illegal high-powered electric bikes – vehicles that exceed the legal Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) definition – is creating immediate and escalating risks to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, while undermining enforcement and public confidence in active travel and powered light mobility.
PACTS has published a briefing for MPs setting out the evidence and recommendations for urgent action.
These vehicles are legally motor vehicles but are increasingly used without registration, insurance, tax, rider licensing or appropriate personal protective equipment. Capable of speeds comparable to mopeds and motorcycles, they are frequently ridden on pavements, cycleways and in other spaces intended for vulnerable road users. Their close resemblance to legitimate EAPC bikes makes enforcement difficult, and the lack of registration means collisions and offences are likely to be under-reported.
PACTS further warns that without coordinated intervention, the unlawful use of illegal high-powered e-bikes risks becoming normalised in urban areas, creating increasing challenges for road safety, policing and legitimate businesses.
The gig economy is identified as a significant driver of the issue, with academic research highlighting the importance of speed for couriers operating under payment models linked to delivery volumes. PACTS warns that these models can incentivise some delivery riders to move away from compliant EAPC bikes towards faster or more powerful machines that fall outside road-legal requirements. Enforcement authorities have also reported increasing use among children and young people, as well as links to antisocial and criminal behaviour.
Stakeholders also warn that the growth of illegal high-powered electric bikes is undermining legitimate, regulated transport markets. Compliant manufacturers and retailers, operating within established safety and type-approval frameworks, are facing growing competition from unregulated alternatives sold outside the standards expected of road-legal vehicles.
Growing Risks and Existing Measures
PACTS’ briefing identifies a range of serious and growing risks associated with non-EAPC bikes, including their use at motorcycle-like speeds without equivalent safeguards, risks posed on cycle and pedestrian infrastructure, rising fire risks linked to poor quality batteries and conversion kits, and significant barriers to compensation for victims of collisions involving uninsured or untraceable riders.
While the briefing welcomes recent Government initiatives, including the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 and proposals for a Work-Related Road Safety Charter, it concludes that these measures alone will not address the substantial number of non-compliant vehicles already in circulation.
Call for Coordinated National Response
PACTS is calling for a coordinated cross-Government response, including:
● Enhanced market surveillance of online sales of and conversion kits.
● Greater accountability of online marketplaces.
● Improved product labelling and clear consumer information.
● Prioritised, visible enforcement with national police direction.
● Stronger coordination between Home Office, DfT and DBT on enforcement, regulation and market controls.
● Measures to tackle gig economy incentives that reward speed over safety.
● Improved data collection and classification of non EAPC incidents.
● Targeted public awareness of legal requirements, safety and fire risks.
Margaret Winchcomb, Deputy Executive Director, PACTS, says:
“Joined-up thinking is what is needed to address the growing harm posed by the illegal use of non-EAPC bikes. Ready access to non-compliant products is making UK streets more dangerous places. People are being harmed. A coordinated cross-Government response to is going to be essential to tackle sales as well as enforce against irresponsible use. The PRAM Act and proposed National Work-Related Road Safety Charter are valuable and welcome, but are just the start, more will need to be done.”
Tony Campbell, Chief Executive, Motorcycle Industry Association, says:
“Illegal high-powered e-bikes are distorting the market, undercutting reputable manufacturers and retailers who invest in safety and compliance. The gig-economy’s speed-focused incentives are driving some couriers toward these unsafe machines, and without stronger enforcement and marketplace accountability we risk normalising a two-tier system where profit trumps public safety.”
Peter Eland, Technical & Policy Director at the Bicycle Association, says:
“Safe and fully road legal e-bikes (EAPCs) from reputable suppliers have an excellent safety record, but that’s being tarnished by association with these highly unsafe, non road legal vehicles, damaging consumer confidence in the entire sector. Alongside the industry’s E-Bike Positive trust mark we need urgent and effective Government action to safeguard the public and the potential of e-bikes as safe, enjoyable and healthy transport.”
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