Amazon’s e‑bike kits spark illegal speed surge
Amazon offers inexpensive Chinese conversion kits that transform ordinary bicycles into high‑speed e‑bikes, violating UK regulations. The rise in illegal e‑bike use has led to increased accidents, thefts and police seizures, prompting lawmakers to push for a ban on such kits.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Amazon’s online marketplace is now a key supplier of cheap Chinese conversion kits that can turn a standard pedal bike into a high‑speed e‑bike. The kits, priced under £500, can deliver power outputs that far exceed the 250‑watt limit set by UK law for e‑bikes, allowing riders to reach speeds of 25 mph or more. The surge in illegal e‑bikes has sparked a wave of accidents, muggings and police seizures, and has prompted MPs to call for a ban on the sale of these kits.
How the kits work and why they’re illegal
Under UK legislation, an e‑bike must have a motor that delivers no more than 250 watts and must cut power once the rider reaches 15.5 mph. Anything that exceeds these limits is classified as a moped or motorbike, and must be registered, taxed and insured. The conversion kits sold on Amazon bypass these restrictions by fitting a larger motor to a regular bicycle. A typical kit includes a 500‑watt motor, a battery and mounting hardware. Once installed, the motor can push a rider to 25 mph or higher, and some kits on the market can reach 40 mph or more.
In a recent investigation, a reporter bought a 500‑watt kit for just under £500, had it installed on a second‑hand pedal bike in South‑East London, and found the bike could easily exceed the legal speed limit. The reporter also discovered that more powerful kits—such as a 5,000‑watt conversion kit for £1,327—were available from specialist retailers, and that “speed‑derestriction dongles” could remove the built‑in speed limiter for up to £299.
Police response and rising incidents
Police forces across the country have reported a dramatic rise in illegal e‑bike seizures. From 3,858 seizures in the year to May 2019 to 7,049 in the same period the following year, the figure jumped 83 percent. The Metropolitan Police arrested 187 thieves and seized 157 e‑bikes, mopeds and other vehicles in a single operation targeting e‑bike muggers this year alone.
These bikes have also been linked to a spate of serious accidents. In Sunderland last year, an 86‑year‑old grandmother, Gloria Stephenson, was killed when a teenager riding an illegal e‑bike struck her on a zebra crossing. The bike involved was a £4,000 model capable of 47 mph and accelerating from zero to 30 mph in 2.7 seconds. The incident highlighted the dangerous speeds that these kits can enable.
Political push for a ban
Labour MP Julie Minns has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to prohibit the sale of illegal e‑bike conversion kits and speed‑derestricting devices. She said the investigation was “deeply alarming” and that it was “completely unacceptable” for major online platforms like Amazon to make it easy to buy high‑powered motors. Minns argued that police action only tackles the symptom, not the source, and urged the government to ban the sale of these kits outright.
Other MPs echoed her concerns. Fabian Hamilton, chairman of the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, said the availability of dangerous e‑bikes online must not continue. Margaret Winchcomb of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety warned that leaving police to seize bikes on the street is unsustainable.
Amazon’s response and government stance
An Amazon spokesperson said the company was removing the highlighted products from its store and that it requires all e‑mobility products to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The company also requires sellers to provide documented testing certification from an accredited laboratory.
The government has tightened police powers to seize vehicles without issuing a warning and is cracking down on unsafe products sold online. A government spokesman stated that modified e‑bikes that exceed the legal limits are motorbikes and are illegal unless registered, taxed and insured.
What’s next for the illegal e‑bike market?
While police enforcement has increased, the underlying demand for high‑speed e‑bikes remains. The kits are inexpensive, easy to install and can be shipped quickly from overseas suppliers. If the government does not enact a ban, the market is likely to grow, potentially leading to more accidents and criminal activity. The debate continues as lawmakers weigh the balance between consumer choice, road safety and the need for stricter regulation.
Key facts
- Amazon sells cheap Chinese conversion kits that exceed UK e‑bike power limits
- Police seizures of illegal e‑bikes rose 83 % in a year
- Accidents, including a fatality, have been linked to high‑speed e‑bikes
- MPs are calling for a ban on sale of conversion kits
- Amazon is removing highlighted products and requiring lab certification
Why it matters
Illegal e‑bikes pose a serious safety risk, contributing to accidents, theft and drug‑related crimes. Understanding the supply chain and regulatory gaps is essential for protecting public safety.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal limit for e‑bike motors in the UK?
E‑bikes must have a motor of no more than 250 watts and must cut power at 15.5 mph.
What happens if an e‑bike exceeds the legal limits?
It is classified as a moped or motorbike and must be registered, taxed and insured.
Can I legally install a conversion kit on a bike?
Only if the resulting bike complies with UK regulations; otherwise it is illegal.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Amazon fuelling rise of illegal e-bikes”
