Police officers seized 29 electric bicycles and seven scooters near the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street on Friday during a targeted operation.
The move was part of a broader effort to curb the use of illegal electric two‑wheelers, which have been linked to rising phone thefts and other neighbourhood offences in central London.
To quickly determine compliance, officers employed a portable testing system that measures whether a vehicle can reach speeds above 15.5 miles per hour while under electric assistance, or whether it uses a throttle or oversized battery.
Commander Neerav Patel said the city’s residents have expressed frustration with the criminal use of e‑bikes and that the operation would address these concerns.
The Met is one of only two police forces in the country to use “rolling road” technology, along with Dynostar and Wenger test kits, to identify non‑compliant bikes on the spot.
During the sweep, two arrests were made, including charges of assault on an emergency worker and public order offences related to theft and a prior conviction.
Recent statistics show that phone theft has fallen by 50%, and overall murder rates are at their lowest in recorded history, making London safer than several major cities worldwide.
Superintendent Luke Baldock noted that the operation has already reduced neighbourhood offences by 14% in the twelve months to June, equating to 35,000 fewer incidents.
Bikes seized included models from Engwe, Fiido, Hitway and Super73, many of which recorded speeds exceeding 27 miles per hour.
To further mitigate risk, the police have begun discussions with charities and correctional facilities to provide young people with training in dismantling and repairing stolen or unsafe e‑bikes.
Educational initiatives are also being coordinated with gig‑economy workers to promote safer use of electric mobility devices.
