Local Aberdare PCSO Nicholas apprehended a rider of a Sur-Ron earlier this week.
The rider who was 14 years old attempted to flee, but was stopped and the bike was seized and will not be returned to the owner.
We have a zero tolerance approach to these offences being committed, particularly where is poses a risk to public safety.
The Aberdare Incident
The news fits into a very active and ongoing crackdown by South Wales Police on illegal off-road bike use across the Cynon Valley and wider region. The apprehension of the 14-year-old Sur-Ron rider by PCSO Nicholas is consistent with a pattern of local enforcement. Just days ago, another Aberdare incident saw the Safer Neighbourhood Team spot an off-road pit bike being ridden onto a pavement to evade police officers, who pursued the rider on foot, stopped him, and the bike was seized. Adam Evans, 29, was subsequently charged with drink driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence, and is due to appear in court in March. AberdareOnline
What is a Sur-Ron?
Sur-Ron electric bikes are generally illegal on public roads because they lack required street-legal features and exceed the power or speed limits for electric bicycles. These off-road machines are designed for trails. Surron In the UK, most Sur-Ron models are classified as motorcycles and require registration, insurance, and a valid licence — none of which a 14-year-old can legally hold. Riding one on a public road without those is a serious offence.
A Growing Problem Across South Wales
The Aberdare case is far from isolated. There have been rising concerns and reports from communities across Wales over the illegal use of off-road bikes and other mechanically propelled bikes including mopeds, e-bikes, Sur-Rons and e-scooters. There have been incidents of off-road bikes being ridden illegally on roads, in parks, on pavements and in other public spaces, resulting in injuries to both riders and members of the public. Crimestoppers
In one single day across Cardiff and Barry, more than 60 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were seized, including a modified mountain bike capable of reaching 90 miles per hour — the fastest ever seized in a joint operation between South Wales Police and Cardiff Council. AberdareOnline
As recently as late January 2026, officers seized a further 55 illegal e-bikes and scooters in Cardiff, deployed across the city centre, Ely, Fairwater, Cathays and Roath as part of a local initiative targeting illegal and dangerously ridden e-bikes and off-road vehicles. AberdareOnline
National Legislative Response
The issue has now reached Westminster. The Crime and Policing Bill, introduced in February 2025, includes a provision that would make it easier for police to seize vehicles associated with anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour involving vehicles is described as wide-ranging, encompassing off-road bike misuse, illegal motorbike and car racing, noisy and dangerous motorbike use, and aggressive or inconsiderate driving. House of Commons Library
Currently, when a vehicle is seized, police must make efforts to issue a seizure notice to the owner, giving them at least 21 days to claim their vehicle before it can be disposed of. House of Commons Library This is why the statement in your news story that the bike “will not be returned to the owner” is a strong signal — it reflects the zero tolerance stance and the likely application of full legal powers available to officers.
The Dangers in Plain Sight
On one Sunday alone, four illegal off-road motorbikes were spotted on the A4095 Penrhiwceiber — a main road. In a nearby incident, officers caught one rider on an illegal motorcycle that didn’t even have brakes, a serious safety hazard not just for the rider but for everyone around. AberdareOnline
The involvement of young riders — in your story, a 14-year-old — adds another dimension. These bikes are powerful machines, and with no licence, no insurance, no safety equipment, and no road-legal features, a collision could be fatal for the rider or a bystander. The attempt to flee police is also a recurring theme, suggesting riders are well aware their use is unlawful.
In short, what appears to be a local story reflects a significant and escalating public safety issue across Wales, with police, councils, and now Parliament all taking increasingly firm action.
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