Nearly 100 e-bikes and e-scooters have been confiscated by police during a three-day enforcement operation, which looked to target vehicles being used illegally on public streets.

The crackdown launched by Cambridgeshire Police focused on privately owned e-scooters and modified electric bicycles operating unlawfully on roads, pavements and cycling lanes throughout the city.

Officers seized a total of 94 e-bikes and e-scooters and discovered one electric bicycle capable of reaching 50 kilometres per hour, more than triple the permitted speed for electrically assisted pedal cycles.

The operation represented a significant shift in police tactics, moving away from educational approaches towards direct enforcement action against riders flouting regulations.

The police seized 94 e-bikes and e-scooters in total, which failed to meet UK standards

The seizures included numerous modified Eskuta models being operated by food delivery workers across Cambridge, highlighting concerns about the commercial use of non-compliant vehicles.

The initiative brought together multiple agencies, with Eskuta company representatives examining bicycles for unauthorised modifications while Home Office Immigration Compliance and Enforcement personnel verified delivery riders' work permits and residency status.

Under current rules, it permits e-scooters on public highways solely through Government-sanctioned rental programmes such as Cambridge's Voi scheme, while private e-scooters remain restricted to private property with explicit owner consent.

Legal e-bikes must feature functional pedals, motors limited to 250 watts output, and maximum assisted speeds of 15.5mph.

The police said it would switch its policy away from education to now enforcement

Vehicles exceeding these parameters fall under moped or motorcycle classifications, necessitating proper registration, insurance coverage, valid driving licences and mandatory helmet use.

Inspector Shawn Emms from Cambridge's neighbourhood policing team declared that unfamiliarity with regulations would not excuse violations, stating officers would no longer offer warnings to offenders.

"Our previous approach focused on officers taking an 'engage and educate' approach, but frequent reports of reckless riding and concern from members of the public have led us to take enforcement action," he explained.

He acknowledged public confusion surrounding legally operated rental schemes requiring driving licence registration, while similar vehicles remain readily available for purchase in shops and online.

"We've listened to the concerns of residents and visitors to the city and taken action to address the illegal and unsafe use of these vehicles," he added.

The enforcement action follows mounting complaints from Cambridge residents about dangerous riding behaviours and safety risks posed to pedestrians.

Officers emphasised that the widespread availability of e-scooters in retail outlets and online marketplaces does not legitimise their use on public roads.

The police operation marks a decisive response to growing concerns about non-compliant electric vehicles proliferating across the city, particularly within the food delivery sector.

The police seized several e-bikes used by delivery riders for failing to meet the standards

Authorities stressed that public safety remains their primary concern, with the crackdown demonstrating their commitment to addressing illegal vehicle use throughout Cambridge.

Police highlighted that enforcement efforts will continue beyond this initial three-day campaign as officers maintain their focus on road safety.

The collaboration between law enforcement, private sector representatives and immigration authorities reflects the complex nature of regulating electric vehicle use in urban environments.

Cambridge's crackdown also serves as a warning to riders across the city that police tolerance for illegal e-scooter and e-bike use has "definitively ended".