In April 2026, West Midlands Police seized and destroyed a fully legal electric cargo bike, a Tern HSD S00 valued at £6,500, which had been loaned to a delivery cyclist through a council-funded scheme. The incident occurred when officers stopped the cyclist on suspicion of riding an unlicensed e-motorbike. During the stop, the police conducted a speed test by lifting the rear wheel of the bike and pedaling, a method that led to a recorded speed of 47 km/h. This test was deemed unscientific and inaccurate by the police force. Consequently, the bike was seized, and the rider was issued a fixed penalty notice for “riding without insurance,” despite cyclists not being legally required to have insurance in the UK. (road.cc)
Following the incident, West Midlands Police acknowledged the flawed testing procedure and apologized for the actions of the officers involved. The force stated that the method used to test the bike was not an accurate measurement of the bike’s capability and confirmed that the testing process would cease immediately. An investigation into alternative testing methods and appropriate officer training was initiated. The fixed penalty notice issued to the rider was canceled, and compensation was arranged for the bike shop, Birmingham Bike Foundry, which had loaned the bike. (road.cc)
This case has highlighted the need for better training and awareness among police forces regarding e-bike regulations. Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund, which supported the rider and the bike shop, emphasized the importance of proper procedures in determining the legality of e-bikes. The fund also called for improved guidance and training to prevent similar incidents in the future. (cyclinguk.org)
In response to the growing concern over illegal e-bikes, West Midlands Police have intensified efforts to remove illegally modified e-bikes from the streets. Operations have led to the seizure and destruction of numerous illegal e-bikes, with some modified to reach speeds exceeding 100 mph. The police have stated that they will continue to take action against those who put people at risk in the city centre. (slashgear.com)
The incident has also prompted discussions about the methods used by police to test e-bike legality. The flawed speed test conducted in this case has been criticized as inaccurate and unscientific, leading to calls for the development of proper testing procedures and better training for officers. (road.cc)
In summary, the seizure and destruction of the legal e-bike by West Midlands Police have underscored the importance of accurate testing methods and proper training for law enforcement when assessing e-bike legality. The incident has led to a review of procedures and a commitment to ensuring that such errors do not occur in the future.
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