Illegal e-bikes that can hit 40mph are death traps bringing chaos to Britain's ... trends now
Illegal e-bikes that can reach speeds of 40mph are death traps and are even being used on motorways, industry bosses have warned.
Motorcycle manufacturers have claimed that powerful e-bikes are being ridden illegally due to a lack of effective policing.
A group representing Honda, Yamaha, BMW, and other similar companies warned the Government that there is a 'widespread' use of the bikes which are technically mopeds and should be driven with a licence.
The companies have written to Transport Secretary Mark Harper to urge him to launch a review into the issues.
This comes as the Government is considering allowing more powerful versions of the bikes to be driven.
Illegal e-bikes that can hit 40mph are death traps, industry bosses have warned
Two e-bikes are left dumped on the pavement in Whitechapel in November last year
The companies have written to Transport Secretary Mark Harper (pictured) to urge him to launch a review into the issues around dangerous illegal e-bikes
The chief of the Motorcycle Industry Association, Tony Campbell, claimed that the regulations aren't being enforced properly.
He told The Telegraph that people who drive the 'unsafe' illegal e-bikes have 'very little chance' of the police stopping them.
Mr Campbell warned that they aren't tested to the 'same safety standards' as mopeds are.
He said many people will drive them without using helmets and protective gear and labelled them 'death traps', claiming 'people have died using them'.
The chief executive said that sales of the bikes soared during the Covid-19 pandemic when demand for takeaways rose.
He also alleged that they are being used by gangs to mug people and escape easily by slipping down narrow streets.
Vehicles described as e-bikes are being sold online, advertised as reaching speeds of up to 37mph and 2,000 watt motors, according to The Telegraph.
Laws require the rider to pedal, rather than having a button to accelerate, and should be restricted to speeds of 15.5mph.
However, sellers claim their bikes are legal because the accelerator button can be taken off and speeds are limited - but buyers can request these to be removed.
The Telegraph reported that conversion kits can also be purchases which boost power and speed above the legal limit.
While cycling groups say e-bikes encourage people to cycle more often who may be daunted by hills, but police have caught them being misused - even being ridden on motorways.
And the e-bikes - capable of serious injury - are being driven on pavements and cycle lanes too.
This is a 'safety concern for both pedestrians and
