Op Grebe

Op Grebe

Hello Resident

We know that bikes – including electric motorbikes and off-road bikes – being ridden illegally is a concern to many people in South Wales.

Under Operation Grebe, we are stepping up our efforts to tackle these problems and ensure our streets and roads are safer for everyone.

Report illegal bikes

We need information about bikes being ridden illegally, bikes that are not road legal, and bikes involved in criminality such as drug dealing. Riding bikes illegally puts members of the public and riders themselves in danger, can be used to commit crime, can cause criminal damage, and can be seen as antisocial behaviour.

What sort of information is useful?

Help keep your community safe and tell us what you know about bikes being used illegally:

The exact location, date and time the bike or bikes were seen

Anything distinctive – colour, make, whether the bike or bikes had a number plate

Where are they stored?

Who’s riding them illegally, and what were they wearing?

Who’s causing criminal damage? 

Who’s putting the public and themselves in danger?

Which electric bikes are legal?

Only bikes which fall within the definition of an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) can be ridden and treated the same as a conventional pedal cycle, provided the user is aged 14 or over. Conventional use includes riding on the road and riding on cycle paths.

If your bike is not an EAPC, it is considered a motorcycle or moped.

Motorcycles and mopeds require:

CBT Licence: Complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) unless you already hold a full motorcycle licence. This ensures you have the skills and knowledge to ride safely on public roads. Get a valid driving licence to ride one.

You must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards.

DVLA Registration: Your bike must be registered with the DVLA. You will need proof of purchase, bike specifications, and payment of the registration fee. This step is crucial to make your motorcycle / moped legal on UK roads.

Number plate: Once registered, a UK number plate is mandatory.

Insurance: All road vehicles must have insurance. Firms offering insurance for such bikes are listed online.

Vehicle tax: While electric bikes are generally exempt from paying vehicle tax, registration is still required to comply with UK law.

MOT: After three years, your bike will need an MOT, just like any other road vehicle. This ensures your bike remains roadworthy and safe for all riders.

Twist-and-Go bikes

If you have a bike which provides electrical assistance without use of the pedals, usually called ‘Twist and Go’, you should ensure that your bike meets the requirements of the EAPC Regulations and is “type approved” at the manufacturing stage. If it is not, and you have not sought Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA), this bike cannot be classed as an EAPC and using it on the road is illegal.

Please note, that South Wales Listens is not a crime reporting tool. In an emergency, if you or your property are at risk, or a crime is in progress call 999.

Do you need to speak to the police but don’t require an emergency response?

You can make an online report via our website https://www.south-wales.police.uk, send us a private message via Live Chat, or call 101. In an emergency always dial 999.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Michael Griffiths
(South Wales Police, PCSO, Gorseinon)