Police officers in Nottingham are using portable testing equipment to seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, in a bid to address antisocial behaviour.
The device, known as a dynamometer, was created by the Swiss firm Wenger and funded by the Office of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner. The technology allows officers to check compliance with UK law without relying on specialist testing facilities.
Photo by Windone / Unsplash
Currently, rules state that electric bikes must cut out when they read 15.5mph (25km/h) to be legally ridden in public.
To test the vehicles, police officers place vehicles on the dynamometer and accelerate the rear wheel, with a digital display showing the maximum speed. Vehicles exceeding the limit can be seized immediately.
The initiative is part of Operation Wrangel, which was launched in November 2025 by the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team. Officers have said the scheme targets crime and antisocial behaviour linked to illegal e-bikes, with an aim to prioritising pedestrian safety.
‘The reckless use of e-bikes, off road motorcycles and e-scooters are more than just a nuisance to communities, they are being used to commit serious criminal activity including drug supply, weapons offences and violence,’ Sergeant Dan Butler, who leads Operation Wrangel, said.
‘The public can expect to see various operations targeting two-wheeled vehicles over the coming months and beyond, to provide a visible presence and disrupt offenders.’
According to police data, between 3rd November and 5th January officers seized 34 e-bikes in Nottingham city centre and brought court proceeding against 24 riders for not owning a licence or insurance.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioners, Gary Godden, added: ‘Overpowered e-bikes and illegal e-scooters might look like a nuisance on the surface, but in reality they are often being used to fuel serious crime and put innocent people at risk.
‘That’s why I’m happy that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner was able to fund the purchase of this vital tool, the use of which is backed by proactive operations like Wrangel, because neighbourhood officers need the right tools to deal with what communities are seeing on their streets.
‘This new testing equipment gives officers the ability to take swift, decisive action against vehicles that are being used to intimidate residents, move drugs and avoid police.’
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