A heavily modified bicycle, fitted with a 50cc motorbike engine, has been seized by Derby police after its rider was spotted speeding past officers on King George’s playing field.
The bike, likely being used for food deliveries, was stopped and towed away by a large recovery lorry following the incident.
The bicycle, painted teal and sporting large black fuel tanks, had been altered to include a motorbike engine, effectively transforming it into an unlicensed motorbike. Adding a motor, coupled with its non-standard modifications, means it no longer classifies as a simple pushbike under UK law.
With handlebars still resembling those of a traditional bicycle, the vehicle had been used for some time before being seized. Police shared images of the bike being loaded onto a large recovery truck, noting the unusual nature of the case.
“Somebody’s pizza will be late!” officers quipped in their statement, acknowledging that the bike was most likely used for food delivery services in the area.
While this might seem like an innocuous modification, the addition of a motorbike engine means that the vehicle no longer adheres to the legal requirements for bicycles under UK law.
Bicycles with engines are classified as motor vehicles and must comply with motor vehicle regulations, including having proper licensing, insurance, and registration.
The rider of such a modified vehicle would also need a valid driver’s licence and appropriate safety gear such as a helmet, none of which were mentioned in the incident report.
Reacting to the news, one resident wrote: “I feel much safer now, cheers!”
While another mocked the size of the lorry that came to tow the bike, saying: “Er couldn’t find a smaller lorry but better off the streets that’s for sure”
