Bradford TT winner concerned over illegal use of e-bikes

Worries have been mounting about the unlawful use of e-bikes in the area.

Legal e-bikes are not permitted to exceed 15.5mph and the motor will cut out if the maximum speed is hit.

But some riders illegally modify regular e-bikes through conversion kits to provide higher speeds than 15.5mph.

Earlier this month, a meeting raised concerns about the illegal use of e-bikes in Bradford.

Now, Nick Jefferies - who won the Isle of Man TT in 1993 when he clinched victory in the Formula One race - has added his voice to the fears.

Meanwhile, a Bradford district MP has said she will raise the issue with police and ministers to see if "national action can be taken to tackle this problem".

E-bikes and e-scooters (Image: WYFRS)

Nick told the Telegraph & Argus: "You don't need to be a detective to see evidence of these bikes being ridden in an illegal, anti-social and reckless manner.

"I've spent 55 years in the motorcycle industry, so you can imagine that I find the matter particularly frustrating.

"I learned to do 'wheelies' on a bicycle in the 1950s - and I could never have imagined then that two-wheeled objects could now be illegally modified to go at dangerously high speeds.

"I live near Wilsden, but if you travel in to Allerton, you would be likely to witness outrageous manoeuvres on a daily basis.

"I fear it won't be long before a child or an OAP is mown down by one."

Nick said he wanted to see the Government give police more powers to tackle the problem.

He added: "These youngsters are riding around with complete freedom because they know they cannot be touched - as they are often not wearing helmets and they are often wearing balaclavas which make them unidentifiable.

"I hope I live long enough to see these illegal bikes directed to the scrapheap."

He also raised concerns about the anti-social use of other vehicles.

The T&A put Nick's concerns to West Yorkshire Police and asked the force what officers were doing to tackle the issues raised, but no comment was provided.

Shipley Labour MP Anna Dixon said residents had raised concerns with her about the "dangerous use of e-bikes and scooters".

Shipley Labour MP Anna Dixon

"I have seen the problem first hand," she added.

"These people are a danger to themselves and others and terrifying residents in our communities.

"I will raise the issue with West Yorkshire Police and write to the relevant minister to see if national action can be taken to tackle this problem."

E-bikes are classified as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles', or EAPCs, and are perfectly legal as long as they meet the EAPC rules set by the Government.

As part of these rules, e-bikes are not allowed to go any faster than 15.5mph on public roads in the UK and they must have a maximum power output of 250 watts.

People do not need a licence to ride an e-bike and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. There is, however, an age restriction: people must be 14 or over to ride an e-bike.

But there are many electric bikes available online which do not conform to the above rules - and some people illegally modify their e-bike so it goes faster than 15.5mph, therefore breaching EAPC regulations.

According to the Government website: "Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed.

"You'll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet."

During a meeting earlier this month, a report presented to Bradford councillors from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said: "E-bikes and e-scooters pose issues such as anti-social behaviour through use in pedestrian areas and speeding on roads across Bradford."

WYFRS said it was working with other organisations in a bid to educate young people and tackle the problem.

The report also said there had been a rise in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires across West Yorkshire, with Bradford seeing a "marked increase".