Parents warned of e-bike dangers after deaths in Norfolk

The exact circumstances of these incidents involving the illegally modified vehicles, which have not been released to the public, remain under investigation by police.

Alan Tedder, 62, died after falling off his e-bike while cycling home to Ludham from a pub in Potter Heigham in May 2025.

Police checking an e-bike in Norwich (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

He did not realise his vehicle, which he purchased on Facebook Marketplace, was so powerful that it should legally have been classed as a moped.

Last month, a teenage boy died following a crash involving an e-bike he was riding and a double-decker bus in All Saints Green, Norwich.

It is not known if the bike he was riding had been modified beyond legal limits.

The rise in popularity of the vehicles has sparked a fresh plea from the force to remind parents that the vehicles are not harmless toys or bicycles but rather "powerful machines" that can kill people when modified beyond legal limits.

Chief Inspector Gary Miller said: "We know many parents and carers will try and make the best decisions for their children and may not always be aware of the risks associated with some e-bikes, particularly those that have been modified or are capable of travelling at much higher speeds than people realise.

"We would ask families to take a moment and consider whether vehicle capable of reaching roads speeds but requires no training, licence or registration, is something a child can use safely.

A delivery rider had his e-bike checked for illegal modifications in Orford Place (Image: Newsquest)

"These incidents are a stark reminder that e-bikes are not toys.

"When they are modified beyond legal limits, they can become powerful machines capable of causing serious injury or worse."

Current UK regulations state that riders must be aged 14 or over and the e-bike must have working pedals and a motor with a maximum output of 250 watts.

The motor must not assist when the bike is travelling above 15.5mph.

E-bikes that do not meet these requirements are classed as motorcycles or mopeds and must be registered, taxed, insured and ridden with the correct licence.

Mr Miller added: "No enforcement operation, seizure campaign or police activity can be as effective as a parent making the decision that their child's safety comes first."