Police seize e-bike after 'anti-social riding'

An electric bike has been seized in Cornwall after the rider was reported for several of traffic offences, police have said.

Posting a picture on social media of a motorbike-sized vehicle, Callington Police said it was seized in Saltash Road Recreation Park on Saturday.

Police said the rider was "riding in an anti-social manner" and the bike was seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, which refers to vehicles being used in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance.

The offences included driving otherwise in accordance with a licence, driving a mechanically propelled vehicle elsewhere than on roads and driving without insurance, they added.

The law states electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) can be used on public roads without a driving licence or insurance.

This is provided that cycles are fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the bike, the maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 250 watts, electrical assistance cuts off when the bike reaches 15.5mph (25km/h) and the rider is over 14 years of age.

Any electric bike that did not meet the EAPC rules was classed as a motorcycle or moped and "needs to be registered and taxed" and riders required a driving licence and had to wear a crash helmet, the government said.

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