Ilford man caught with e-bike that can travel up to 73mph

An East London man was caught by police with an e-bike which can travel up to 73mph. Darius Dovidas, 41, of Mortlake Road, Ilford, was stopped by officers from the City of London Police’s cycle team when he was spotted riding an illegal e-bike in the City on August 12.

It was the second time in six months Dovidas had been caused riding an illegal e-bike, said police. Both times, he was found to be riding a bike with a 1,900-watt motor, capable of travelling up to 73mph if a person wasn't riding it.

However, legal e-bikes are not allowed to go faster than 15.5mph, and the motor must cut out if the maximum speed is hit.

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The first time Dovidas was caught on February 16, the bike was seized as Dovidas was also found to be riding without insurance. But six months later, Dovidas was caught again, and this time was summonsed to court for driving with no licence and insurance.

Man fined £600

He appeared at the City of London Magistrates' Court where he was fined £600 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £352. He also had six points taken off his driving licence.

Sergeant Stu Ford, cycle team lead at the City of London Police, said: “Since the formation of the cycle team last summer, almost 400 illegal e-bikes and e-scooors have been seized, that’s more than any other police force in the country.

“The continued hard work of our officers in taking these illegal e-bikes off the streets shows our commitment to reducing anti-social behaviour by road users for the benefit of those that live, work and visit the Square Mile.

“We’ve had members of the public voicing their concerns to us about these vehicles. Some people have told us that they have nearly been hit and have seen riders mount pavements and run through red lights. Pedestrians are also road users and are in fact the most vulnerable road users, and we will continue our work in keeping everyone safe.”

Got a story for us? Email anna.willis@reachplc.com.

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