Police in Nottingham have seized an e-bike found to be capable of reaching 72mph — roughly five times the 15.5mph legal limit — during a crackdown on illegally modified bikes and scooters. The operation followed complaints from local people about such vehicles being ridden through pedestrianised areas, and it has renewed concerns about the danger these machines pose on Britain's streets.

In total, officers seized 60 bikes and e-scooters and prosecuted 38 offenders, with some fined up to £1,000 and given eight points on their driving licence. Under the law, electric bikes must be limited to 15.5mph with a motor of no more than 250W, and non-compliant models count as motor vehicles requiring insurance, tax and a valid licence. Nottinghamshire Police used a compact dynamometer to test top speeds and found fewer than a quarter of those checked were legally compliant. PC Ben King, of Operation Wrangel, warned that such a vehicle "could have seriously injured or even killed someone" if ridden recklessly.