Illegal e-bikes seized in gig economy crackdown | Manchester News

Police have seized a number of illegal e-bikes as part of a joint operation with immigration enforcement officers in Manchester.

One person was arrested for a visa violation and 19 e-bikes were taken off the streets during the action, run in conjunction with the Home Office.

The operation focused on food delivery riders suspected of riding dangerously on illegally modified e-bikes in the city centre, Greater Manchester Police said.

It came after the government announced tougher laws to crack down on illegal working and those abusing the gig economy, a GMP spokesperson said.

Sgt Jack Lenihan Smith said they wanted to ensure those operating within the gig economy, where people are paid for short term or freelance work, “do so legally and responsibly and if not, they will be dealt with effectively”.

Sgt Lenihan Smith said that by working with their partners, also including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, they were “sending a clear message; if you’re operating illegally or dangerously, you will be stopped”.

The operation took place on Sunday and followed reports from members of the public concerned for their safety while out in congested and heavily pedestrianised areas, the force said.

A total of 45 e-bike riders were stopped, with 19 non-compliant e-bikes seized, and officers also issuing six traffic offence reports and eight summonses.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “I hope the visible actions of officers alongside Home Office partners helps our residents to feel safe when in busy pedestrian areas, and sends a clear message to those who think there are no consequences to operating illegally.”

The gig economy involves people being paid to do freelance or short-term contracts.

The GM Food Delivery Charter, established earlier this year, set out an agreed code of conduct, legal requirements and regulatory expectations of cyclist couriers and food delivery companies when operating in Greater Manchester.

It was signed by the three leading operators.