Deliveroo is to ban riders caught using illegal high-speed e-bikes as it calls on ministers to outlaw conversion kits

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

Deliveroo is introducing speed-monitoring technology to detect riders travelling faster than a legal e-bike can reach, and will remove them from the platform if they have knowingly registered the wrong vehicle. Paul Bedford, the company's policy and sustainability director, launched the 'Ride Safe' campaign warning that illegal conversion kits pose a danger to riders and the public alike. The firm is also calling on the government to ban the sale of those kits outright, arguing the law must catch up with the problem.

Under UK law, e-bikes must cut out at 15.5mph and cannot exceed 250 watts — but conversion kits bought online can bypass both limits.

Essex Police have already seized 88 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters across Tendring since July 30 under Operation Rifle.

Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade have both welcomed the Deliveroo campaign.