Wiltshire Police have issued a warning about the dangers of illegal and modified e-bikes following a high-speed crash in Swindon that left two young men with serious facial injuries.
Officers were called to an underpass between Dorcan Way and Eldene Drive at around 4.30pm on 29 September, where they discovered a wrecked e-bike and blood at the scene — but no riders in sight.
After enquiries, police believe the pair lost control and collided with a wall at high speed. The e-bike, later seized by officers, was found to have been illegally modified with a powerful battery and a twist-and-go throttle, capable of reaching speeds over 40mph.
Inspector Joe Senior from Swindon Police said:
“The injuries suffered by these young men and the damage to the bike highlight the serious dangers of riding illegally modified e-bikes. These machines are effectively motorbikes, and when ridden without proper safety gear or registration, they can have devastating consequences.”
The warning comes as part of Operation Jetsom, Wiltshire Police’s ongoing clampdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters across the county.
Inspector Senior added:
“If you’re caught riding one of these illegally, expect to have it seized. We’re taking a hard line on this — not only because it’s against the law, but because it’s about keeping people safe.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the collision to contact PC Slade via email at 0079@wiltshire.police.uk, quoting reference 54250130972.
