North Yorkshire Police are deploying drones to track down offenders and crush illegally used e-bikes following an increase in their use for robberies and antisocial behaviour.
North Yorkshire Police are taking robust action against the illegal use of electric bikes, following an issue with their use in crimes across the region over the past year.
Chief Constable Tim Forber has confirmed that the force is actively cracking down on offenders, deploying advanced tactics including aerial technology to ensure those breaking the law are caught and penalised.
The crackdown comes in response to an increase in robberies and antisocial behaviour facilitated by the bicycles.
Under current regulations, riders must be aged fourteen or over to use an electrically assisted pedal cycle without a licence or insurance. To be legally compliant, an electric bike must feature pedals that can be used to propel it, and its electric motor must run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts. Furthermore, the electrical assistance must automatically cut off once the bicycle reaches a speed of 15.5 miles per hour.
Electric bikes are permitted to have more than two wheels, such as a tricycle, but any electric bike that fails to meet the strict legal requirements is classified as either a motorcycle or a moped. This means it must be taxed and insured accordingly.
North Yorkshire Police are now targeting those who flout these rules or use the vehicles to facilitate criminal activity, tracking suspects back to their addresses.
North Yorkshire Chief Constable Tim Forber said:
"We have in the past year had an issue, particularly with e-bikes being used to commit robbery. We are making some headway with that now, and we've done very publicly some things in terms of seizing e-bikes and crushing them.
We've used our drones extensively to track these offenders, to find out where they live, and then go and seize the bikes afterwards and and and dealing with them."
The force has made it clear that they have dedicated, trained officers focused on this issue, actively monitoring people undertaking this sort of behaviour.
Issuing a stark warning to anyone considering using an e-bike for unlawful purposes, Chief Constable Tim Forber said:
"I want to give a very clear message. If you are using an e-bike in an illegal way, whether that's to commit antisocial behaviour, but if you particularly if you're using it to commit crime, we have officers out there. They are trained, they are determined to catch you. Our drones are up monitoring people undertaking this sort of behaviour, and we will prosecute you, and we will take the bikes off you and they will be crushed."
The police are urging the public to ensure their electric bicycles comply with the law, reminding riders that non-compliant models require the same documentation and legal standing as a moped or motorcycle.
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