An alliance of the UK's cycling industry bodies, charities, and bike shops has weighed in on the issue of illegally modified e-bikes.

E-Bike Positive shared its thoughts on the issue in a letter to the Telegraph & Argus.

This paper reported back in August on the use of illegally modified e-bikes in the Bradford area, noting the concerns of F1 driver Nick Jefferies and the commitment of Shipley MP Anna Dixon to "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-Bike Positive said: "The 'e-bikes' seized by the police are by definition electric motorbikes and pose a risk to both pedestrians and cyclists.

"In contrast, road legal e-bikes open cycling up as a truly accessible way for almost anyone to travel, commute, carry cargo, and stay healthy regardless of their fitness level or experience riding bikes.

"To ensure that more of the UK public can benefit from active travel it's critical that legitimate e-bikes are not conflated with illegally ridden electric motorbikes.

"In general, to be road legal an e-bike motor must only assist when pedalling and cut out at 15.5mph, with any further speed powered solely by the rider.

"If a rider buys an e-cycle and modifies it to exceed this speed, or convert to run without pedalling, it’s classed as an electric motorbike which requires insurance and a licence to be used on UK roads, and is not allowed in cycle lanes or mixed-use paths.

"Additionally, illegal, modified e-bikes can pose a significant battery safety risk.

"These products, often bought from overseas sellers or via an online marketplace, may not meet UK safety standards.

"Unknown to the buyer the battery may also have been damaged, abused by previous owners, or have been supplied with an incompatible charger.

"We advise the public to visit www.ebikepositive.co.uk for guidance on how to recognise safe and legal e-bikes and for prospective customers to only buy from reputable UK retailers.

"A local E-Bike Positive bike shop will be able to provide expert advice."

During a meeting earlier this year, a report presented to Bradford councillors from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) had 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 at the time that it was working with organisations to educate young people and tackle the problem.