UK police crackdown on illegal e‑bikes using new testing kits

The Metropolitan Police have intensified a city‑wide operation against illegal electric bikes and scooters by deploying portable Dynostar and Wenger test kits, known as “rolling roads”, across London. As part of Operation Lexand, officers seized 29 e‑bikes and seven e‑scooters near Tottenham Court Road and have recorded more than 2,500 illegal two‑wheelers in 2026, surpassing the previous year’s total. Vehicles that exceed the legal 15.5 mph assistance limit or lack proper licensing or insurance are impounded; owners are given 14 days to provide correct documentation before the bikes are stripped for parts and destroyed. The Met and Nottinghamshire Police are the only forces currently using this technology.

In a separate incident, West Midlands Police mistakenly destroyed a legal £6,500 Tern cargo e‑bike after a flawed speed test. The force has admitted the error, will pay compensation to the bike’s owner, and has pledged to review its testing procedures. Cycling UK has called for better officer training, consistent testing protocols, and clearer national guidelines to prevent similar mistakes.