16 vehicles (1 Suron, 3 E-bikes and 12 E-Scooters) were seized on Sunday 12th July 2026 as part of Operation Arnellia by Neath Pontardawe Neighbourhood Team. We were assisted by Dyfed Powys Police and the fixed wing plane.
Operation Arnelliais an operation which cracks down on the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes and issues which increase policing demand in the area. These issues have a detrimental effect on our communities, and have all been consistently raised by residents as having a negative impact on quality of life, public safety and confidence in policing.
During the operation activity which took place on Sunday 12th July, officers utilised the NPAS fixed-wing aircraft, numerous off-road/illegal bikes were sighted around Neath and Pontardawe areas and then followed by NPAS until they could be safely apprehended.
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) must be fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling it, have a maximum continuous power rating via the electric motor not exceeding 250 watts, and all electrical assistance must cut off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15.5mph.
If in doubt remember PPS – Pedals, Power, Speed. EAPCs can be legally ridden by anyone aged 14+, and do not require vehicle tax, insurance, or a licence.
All other electric bikes are classed as a motorcycle or a moped. Unless used on private land (with the permission of the land-owner), such bikes must be registered with the DVLA, taxed, insured and used by a rider who holds the appropriate class of licence, in order for their use to be legal.
Unless all the above criteria is met, they cannot be used on public land and the rider is liable for prosecution.
For more information on the legality of e-bikes and e-scooters, see here: E-scooters and e-bikes: your questions answered | South Wales Police
