‘You will be found’
West Midlands Police warning to illegal electric bike riders
Police in the West Midlands have employed the use of DNA tagging spray to fight an epidemic of illegal electric off-road motorbikes and E-bikes in Birmingham.
In one incident last month, the force deployed traffic officers, a dog unit, neighbourhood teams, drones, the police helicopter and more to track riders who were ‘tearing up streets and pedestrianised areas’ and threatening to disrupt an organised charity bike ride.
Four electric bikes were seized for being ridden without insurance and two people were arrested for a range of offences including failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and possession of drugs.
Electric bicycles can be ridden legally on the road but they must have bicycle style pedals, produce no more than 250W and have a motor cut-off at 15.5mph. If the bike breaks any of these rules, it qualifies as either an electric motorcycle or electric moped and must have a registration, tax, insurance and be ridden by a qualified rider.
“Our efforts to tackle offroad bikers and those who pose a danger to others forms part of a commitment to protect the public and prevent crime, and the use of DNA spray and stinger devices and teamwork is really making a positive difference,” said Sergeant John Cartmell of the WMP Traffic Unit.
“As well as the DNA spray being used, about £20,000 worth of electric off-road bikes were seized. Our message to illegal off-road bikers is simple – if you are using the roads to commit traffic offences and behaving anti-socially on an off-road bike, you will be found.
“It’s not about ruining people’s fun. Illegal off-roading causes damage to parks and open spaces in the West Midlands and riders are putting themselves and members of the public at risk when they ride off-road bikes in inappropriate areas, like parks and on the pavement.”
‘Illegal riders are putting the public at risk’
SERGEANT JOHN CARTMELL