A 17-year-old has received a driving ban after police discovered him operating an unlawful electric bicycle in a public area.

On January 6, members of the Specialist Enforcement Unit attended Littlehampton town centre following complaints about an e-bike being ridden recklessly on the sidewalk and nearly striking an elderly person walking their dog.

The young rider was found in Pier Road and stopped by officers.

Testing confirmed the bicycle was prohibited from public road use and it was taken into custody.

The individual, who must remain anonymous due to age restrictions, was taken into custody and prosecuted for operating a vehicle without proper licensing or insurance coverage, and appeared before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on February 26.

The court imposed a four-month disqualification from driving, along with requiring payment of £126 in court fees and penalties.