Drink driver jailed following illegal e-bike stop

Drink driver jailed following illegal e-bike stop

A man who was stopped by officers in Norwich while riding an illegal e-bike and found to be over the drink-drive limit has been jailed and banned from driving.

Sahil Sahil, 34, of Prince Charles Road, Bilston appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9 November after pleading guilty to driving whilst disqualified, drink driving and having no insurance.

This sentence follows an incident that occurred on Saturday (7 November) around 9:15pm, when Sahil, who was riding an illegal e-bike, was stopped by officers on George Pope Road.

Checks of the bike showed it was propelled by a throttle and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35km, above the legal limit for an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) which is 15.5mph.

Officers asked Sahil to provide a roadside breath test, which he failed. He also admitted to not having a licence.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and taken to Aylsham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

While in custody, he provided an evidential breath sample of 67 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, nearly double the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

He was subsequently charged for the offences and remanded into custody.

During his appearance at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, Sahil was sentenced for 18 weeks and was disqualified from driving for 49 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and surcharge of £154.

In June 2026, Sahil was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. This was for a separate driving offence. He has now been ordered to serve this sentence so will therefore be serving 42 weeks in total. 

More guidance around e-bikes can be found on the Norfolk Police website here: What you need to know: electric bikes | Norfolk Constabulary