Police search for e-bike riders 'speeding at 50mph' along Welsh seaside resort footpath

Steve Bagnall

29 November 2024 at 7:15 am·3-min read

File image of bikes seized by Welsh police — -Credit: (Image: South Wales Police)

A police helicopter was involved in a search for e-bike riders in a seaside resort last night. There were reports of e-bikers speeding along a footpath at more than 50mph.

A bike was later seized, and a man was arrested, following the incident in Towyn, Abergele.

North Wales Police said shortly after 10pm a number of electric bikes, travelling in excess of 50mph on a footpath on Foryd Road failed to stop for officers from the Roads Crime Unit.

A spokesperson said: "Searches commenced which involved the NPAS (National Police Air Service) helicopter. A 36-year-old local man was later located by officers and arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drugs after testing positive for cannabis and cocaine, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and other driving offences including no insurance and failing to stop. His bike was also seized."

A police helicopter was involved in the search -Credit:Ian Cooper/North Wales Live

With Christmas less than a month away, the police are urging those who are considering or have already purchased an electric bicycle or e-scooter as gifts for loved ones, to ensure they understand the law and obligations for those using them.

According the police statement Electric Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) must be fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling it, have a maximum continuous power rating via the electric motor not exceeding 250 watts, and all electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15.5mph.

Detective Inspector Tim Evans from North Wales Police’ Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Riders of electric cycles should be aware of, and courteous to everyone who uses the road, shared pathways, or other public places.

“The police may seize MPVs when being driven/ridden carelessly or inconsiderately and is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

“Collisions which result in serious injury to another person will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car, and any injured persons may wish to seek specialist road collision legal advice.

He added: “We understand that the majority of motorbike, e-bike and quadbike riders, use their vehicles in a safe and considerate manner and abide by the law. However, sadly, there are those that don’t and this poses a serious risk to not only themselves, but other road users also.

“Our priority is to ensure that our roads and open spaces are safe for all – that is why North Wales Police will take action against anyone using these bikes or e-scooters irresponsibly.

“We will use every tool at our disposal, which includes specialist resources to crackdown on this type of crime. I would also like to encourage residents to report incidents to us so we can take appropriate action.

“If you know who is using e-bikes, MPV’s or e-scooters anti-socially or to commit crime, let us know. Report online or call North Wales Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Find crime figures for your area

Hello!
Woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann reveals she has spoken to missing girl's parents
Julia Wandelt believes that she could be the missing British girl Madeleine McCann
SWNS
Bus swerves off road and into group of pedestrians at bus stop
Shocking footage shows the moment a bus swerved off the road and onto the pavement - into a group of pedestrians waiting on the side of the road. The collision happened at 10:30am this morning on Lightmoor Way, Telford. The video shows the bus - which was heading to Telford Centre - drive into a group of three people. A crowd of people then run to the scene, to try and push the bus off the person who had been hit. The bus reverses off the pavement and emergency services were called to the scene.
Manchester Evening News
The police discovery in a North Face bag that led to tears in court
A tracking device led officers to make the discovery
The Telegraph
Landlord serves eviction notices to 150 tenants weeks before Christmas
Around 150 Londoners from the same block of flats have received eviction notices just weeks before Christmas.
Wales Online
The moment man launches brutal unprovoked attack outside bar
The moment man launches brutal unprovoked attack outside bar
Cover Media
Hotel manager charged in Liam Payne's death
The hotel manager and receptionist where Liam Payne died have been charged in connection with the star's death. New documents obtained by Page Six show the employees at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, will be charged. As yet it's unclear what they are being accused of. The documents name receptionist manager Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, who called 911 moments before the former One Direction star fell to his death, as being involved in the singer's demise. Gilda Agustina Martín,
Sky News
Luxury real estate brokers the Alexander brothers charged with drugging and raping dozens of women
Two luxury real estate agent brothers have been charged with drugging and violently raping dozens of women. Oren and Tal Alexander, as well as their brother Alon, are accused by New York federal prosecutors of sex trafficking and using their position to take advantage of women from at least 2010 to 2021. Charges have also been filed in Florida, where the men live.
Evening Standard
'Please give me my life back': British teen makes emotional plea after being jailed in Dubai for holiday romance
Marcus Fakana and his family have urged foreign secretary David Lammy to intervene in the case
CNN
She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case
It was the middle of Jenna Gerwatowski’s workday at the local flower shop in Newberry, Michigan, when she got a call from an unknown number.
Evening Standard
Police arrest 93 members of shoplifting gangs behind £4million retail thefts
Operation Pegasus has ‘impacted 28 organised crime groups and high-harm individuals’ responsible for more than £4million in losses to businesses, police say
CNN
Missing US man found in Syria says he was kept in prison after entering country as a pilgrim
A man thought to be a missing US citizen has been found in Damascus, Syria, telling reporters he had recently been freed from jail.
Manchester Evening News
Husband gives police unusual reason for stopping his BMW on M56 hard shoulder
The driver had been stopped near to Manchester Airport
The Argus
Teenager stabbed in seafront attack - boy aged 14 among six arrested
Teenage boys as young as 14 have been arrested after a boy was allegedly stabbed in the hand.
Sky News
Parents who forced 'extreme' vegan diet on toddler and buried his body in garden jailed
A couple have been jailed for causing or allowing the death of their three-year-old son after forcing him to endure an "extreme" vegan diet. Abiyah Yasharahyalah died from a respiratory illness while suffering from fractures, severe malnutrition, rickets, anaemia, stunted growth and severe dental decay. Jurors heard Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah, 42 and 43, kept the boy's body in their bed for eight days, embalmed him and then buried him in a shallow grave in their garden in early 2020.
PA Media: UK News
Barrister hails dismissal of misconduct case as ‘victory for women’s rights’
Charlotte Proudman said she will be celebrating with champagne and her first worry-free Christmas in two years.
Manchester Evening News
His dad wept outside the courtroom after he admitted what he'd done
'The potential ripple effect from sharing extremist material and encouraging support for terrorist organisation is one that can be felt across communities'
The Independent
Ellen Greenberg died from 20 stab wounds yet her death was ruled a suicide. Her family argued in court that officials deliberately covered up murder
Josh and Sandee Greenberg believe the investigation into their daughter’s brutal 2011 stabbing death was botched, reports Andrea Cavallier from court in Philadelphia
Evening Standard
OPINION - Laugh at Iqbal Mohamed all you want, but a law is the wrong way to tackle first cousin marriage
Iqbal Mohamed, one of the Independent Alliance of five MPs, went viral after his earnest defence of first cousin marriages as Parliament debated a proposal to ban them. Among other things, Mohamed said, these unions “help build up family bonds”. Since consanguineous marriage is a tradition among particular communities originating from the Middle East and South Asia, it would therefore be harmful, even racist, the subtext goes, to disparage or restrict its free practice.
People
King Charles Bumps Into Texas Tourists on London Street and Leaves Them Stunned: 'That Was Unreal!'
The King shared a heartwarming and unexpected moment with a group of charmed tourists in London
The Telegraph
Shopkeeper tracks down Jellycat thief but police fail to make arrest
A frustrated shopkeeper has criticised police for failing to arrest a thief who stole Jellycat toys from his garden centre, even after he tracked her down and gave officers the details.

Latest stories