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Brighton & Hove City Council joined forces with Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) on 13 November to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal e-bikes.
The event took place outside St Peter’s Church in Brighton, where officers engaged with members of the public about e-bike safety and the dangers of high-powered, modified models.
Council road safety officers highlighted the benefits of road-legal e-bikes, noting that they can reduce travel times and costs while offering an environmentally friendly mode of transport. They also spoke to riders and delivery drivers about the hazards of using illegal, high-powered models, emphasising risks to both themselves and pedestrians.
Trading Standards officers visited local retailers as part of the initiative to ensure all e-bikes sold and any modifications carried out were safe and compliant with the law.
ESFRS personnel offered advice on safe charging and storage of e-bikes, warning about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries commonly used in these vehicles. Sussex Police Road Safety Team members provided guidance on legal requirements, explaining that road-legal e-bikes must meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) standards, with pedals, a maximum motor power of 250 watts, and a speed limit of 15.5mph. Riders using non-compliant e-bikes without registration or insurance could face fines, penalty points, or seizure of the bike.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said the event reflected local concerns about illegal e-bikes. “Riders need to understand that high-powered, illegal models are a risk not only to themselves but also to pedestrians and other road users,” he said, encouraging residents to speak with the council, police, and fire service about safe and responsible e-bike use.
ESFRS Station Manager Derek Hamilton highlighted the importance of safe charging and storage, advising residents to buy e-bikes from trusted retailers and avoid charging them unattended or while sleeping.
Sussex Police Road Safety Manager Mark Baker said the collaboration allowed the city to deliver targeted educational interventions on e-bike safety and compliance, supporting both safe travel and public awareness in Brighton.
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