West Midlands Police Crackdown on Illegal E-bikes, E-scooters

0:00On March 14, West Midlands Police sees 12 illegal e-bikes and one e-scooter from riders in Birmingham City Center during a two-hour crackdown. On March 12, officers stop the riders, tested the vehicles for illegal modifications, and crushed those that failed, putting them in the same category as motorbikes. Riders receive penalty tickets for driving without a license or insurance, as part of efforts to keep pedestrians safe from fast, modified machines. Sergeant Matthew King from the City Center team noted they've seen fewer illegal e-bikes since starting operations last year, but they'll keep, targeting those risking public safety. Local businesses and residents praise the action, saying streets felt much safer, with a clear drop in these hazards over the past 12 months, and police vow to maintain the no-go zone.