Police have seized almost 400 illegal vehicles such as e-bikes off the streets of Cheshire, figures showed today.
Officers working under Operation Lawmaker seized a further 10 vehicles and arrested two people during the latest crackdown in Crewe and Nantwich.
It means the total of nuisance and illegal e-vehicles seized to nearly 400 across the county in 10 months – almost double that in 2024.
Under Operation Lawmaker, teams target the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other vehicles being driven in an illegal and anti-social manner.
They reported 19 traffic offences, seized 10 e-vehicles which did not have insurance, issued four fixed penalty notices, and arrested a 37-year-old man seen riding an illegal e-scooter on suspicion of immigration offences.
Officers also arrested a 56-year-old man from Crewe, on suspicion of using an e-bike whilst drunk.
Claudiu Sanciu, 56, of Bedford Street, Crewe, has since been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and is due to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on January 15th 2026.
Sgt John Roberts, of Crewe LPU Neighbourhood team, said: “We know how disruptive the use of illegal e-bikes and scooters is to residents.
“We will continue our high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas at key times across our town, targeting those who intend to cause a nuisance in their community.
“As we approach the Christmas period, I would like to remind parents and guardians in particular, to reconsider any purchases of e-bikes and e-scooters for their young people.
“Whilst it might seem like a great present, e-bikes are illegal to use by anyone under the age of 14 for their own safety.
“These bikes can reach considerable speeds in a matter of seconds with any modifications.
“E-scooters can only legally be used on private land with the owner’s permission and when insured for use in public spaces such as roads and pavements.
“Keeping everyone safe when using our roads remains our top priority as we move into the winter months. Be under no illusion, if we see these being ridden where they shouldn’t be, we will take appropriate action.”
In its first year in 2024, the operation saw 205 e-vehicles (electrically assisted pedal bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters) removed from Cheshire’s streets.
Chief Inspector Cameron Taylor, of the Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “This fantastic achievement goes a considerable way to further protecting everyone who uses our roads and visits our town centres – it is the direct result of the hard work and determination our officers and staff have delivered under Operation Lawmaker.
“It is because of them, alongside the assistance of our community and partner organisations, that our results have nearly doubled to well over 380 seizures in just ten months compared to the entirety of 2024.
“These results also mean that, by the end of 2025, we will have seized over one bike a day under Op Lawmaker.
“With well over month to go until the end of the year, we shan’t be resting on our laurels and will still be out ensuring that every rider, driver and pedestrian is respecting the rules of our roads and taking swift action against those who choose to do otherwise.”
(Pic courtesy of Cheshire Police)
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