Electric motorbike seized in Prestatyn

A Suron electric motorbike has been seized following an incident in the Prestatyn area yesterday evening (Wednesday, May 14).

North Wales Police received reports from members of the public at approximately 6pm reporting that a bike had been witnessed riding dangerously around the area of Gronant Road and had been seen contravening red traffic lights.

The bike had two occupants – both dressed all in black and were wearing balaclavas. Officers from the Roads Crime Unit attended the area and located the bike which was later identified as a Suron which failed to stop for officers.

A short time later and owing to the time of day, contact was made with the Suron to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion and to minimise the risk to other road users, pedestrians and both the rider and pillion passenger.

We’d like to thank those who contacted us and reported this incident, we are aware of the issues that these bikes cause and the risks that they bring with them. We ask that members of the public continue to report these types of incidents as we will always attempt to disrupt and stop them. 

In this instance both the rider and pillion passenger fled the scene but our enquiries are underway to locate them. We have their bike should they want to contact us to discuss getting their Suron  returned.

The presence of bikes on pavements and pedestrian areas cause significant public nuisance with members of the public reporting to feel unsafe and inconvenienced by the reckless behaviour of some riders. We’re urging all users of these types of vehicles to obey the legal requirements and prioritise the safety of themselves and others.

We'll continue to take action against anyone riding illegally or dangerously. This is about keeping our communities safe.

The Law

Electric Assisted Pedal Cycles or E-bikes:

Electric 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 the rider isn’t pedalling, 'twist and go' throttles are only permissible up to a speed of 6 kph (or 3.7 mph).  The bike must display the motor’s power output, or manufacturer’s name and show either the battery voltage or maximum speed. 

If in doubt remember PPS – Pedals, Power, Speed.

EAPCs can be legally ridden by anyone aged 14+. If conforming to the EAPC Regulations 1983, they are road-legal and don’t require a licence, insurance, or registration. They may be ridden on cycle paths, and anywhere else pedal cycles are allowed. 

It is a matter for a court to decide; however, the Department for Transport (DfT) view an EAPC as a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle (MPV). 

Mechanically Propelled Vehicle (MPVs):

Road Traffic Act offences will be committed where death or serious injury is caused to another person by dangerous or careless/inconsiderate driving, and driving, or being in charge of an MPV, when under influence of drink or drugs.

A rider of an MPV has a duty to stop and provide their details following a collision where personal injury is caused to a person other than the driver, damage is caused to another vehicle or property, or to an animal, other than being transported by that MPV.  The drivers name and address (and owner if different) and the identification marks of the vehicle should be provided to a person requiring them.  If for any reason the driver does not give their name and address, they must report the collision to the police.

More information can be found here: Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) in Great Britain: information sheet - GOV.UK

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.