Gardaí seized a modified mountain bike, from a juvenile, which had been fitted with a DIY aftermarket kit capable of producing speeds of 60km per hour. The bike was taken by gardaí who stopped two teenagers cycling on a footpath after they almost hit young children.
The modified bike was seized as it is illegal on Irish roads, with gardaí warning anyone who is using a power-assisted bike must ensure it is legal before taking it out onto the road. Both teenagers now face a prosecution before the courts for the manner they rode the bikes.
"If using a power assisted bicycle with a power up to 250 watts it can be used without any extra licensing or insurance requirements, once the speed cannot exceed 25km/h and the power cuts off when pedalling stops," the Garda said.
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"If the power rating is above 250 watts. The vehicle needs to be type approved, be registered and taxed. Additionally if it is throttle actuated it also requires insurance and a driving licence."
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The incident involving the two young cyclists took place in Co Wexford, where members of the Garda's Gorey Roads Policing Unit spotting the two cyclists being ridden in a dangerous manner on Main St, Gorey.
"Both bicycles were being used on the footpath travelling at a high rate of speed," a statement said. "They narrowly avoided colliding with two small children using the footpath.
"Gardai stopped both cycles, this cycle was found to have an aftermarket electric motor and battery fitted to it, which powered the front wheel. Upon examination at the roadside, it was found to be capable of reaching a speed of 60km/h.
"This puts the vehicle into a classification of an MPV. It requires type approval, registration, insurance, and motor tax. The driver is also required to hold a driving licence.
"None of these conditions were met in this instance. The vehicle was seized, and both riders now face a court prosecution for various offences. Bicycles, e scooters, e bikes of any kind are only to be used on roads, they are never to be used on footpaths."
