Swansea officers carry out further crackdown on illegal e-bikes

Swansea city centre NPT officers seized 29 illegal e-bikes in the months of April and May 2026.

Riders are given words of advice in most cases as officers aim to provide education on the law in the first instance.

PC Scott Pearson said:

"These bikes have been seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act due to the riders not having a license or proof of insurance. In either case, the e-bikes are also not registered for use on UK roads.

"Riders seen driving dangerously will not receive words of advice and will be prosecuted."

Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) must be fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling it, have a maximum continuous power rating via the electric motor not exceeding 250 watts, and all electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15.5mph.

If in doubt remember PPS – Pedals, Power, Speed. EAPCs can be legally ridden by anyone aged 14+, and do not require vehicle tax, insurance, or a licence.

All other electric bikes are classed as a motorcycle or a moped. Unless used on private land (with the permission of the land-owner), such bikes must be registered with the DVLA, taxed, insured and used by a rider who holds the appropriate class of licence, in order for their use to be legal.

Unless all the above criteria is met, they cannot be used on public land and the rider is liable for prosecution.

For more information on the legality of e-bikes and e-scooters, see here: E-scooters and e-bikes: your questions answered | South Wales Police