Man arrested after e-bike ridden dangerously in New Brighton

We arrested a man and seized an e-bike after it was seen weaving around families enjoying the sunshine in New Brighton on Saturday (16 August).

Officers from Op Gears, Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of two-wheeled vehicles including e-bikes, were on patrol in New Brighton when they spotted a man riding a Sur-ron electric bike just after 5pm on Kings Parade.

He rode away upon seeing an officer, weaving in and out of tables and chairs at West Cheshire Sailing Club where members of the public were eating and drinking 

After riding the bike on the beach, again narrowly avoiding families, the rider eventually abandoned the bike in the sand dunes and attempted to flee on foot.

Following a search, he was found in a car at the sailing club and detained.

A 20-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without valid insurance. He was taken into custody to be interviewed and has been released under investigation.

Operation Gears was launched last month and is a force-wide initiative targeting the unlawful use of two-wheeled vehicles that pose a danger to communities and are frequently used to facilitate crime. The operation has seen proactive patrols, intelligence-led interventions, and community engagement across Merseyside.

In July 2025 alone, officers seized 137 illegal two-wheeled vehicles, bringing the total number of seizures this year to 626. These vehicles are increasingly linked to serious criminal activity, including violence, robberies, and serious organised crime (SOC) offences.

Inspector Stuart McIver said: “The illegal use of electric bikes is a key priority for Merseyside Police, and the dedicated actions of patrols in this case have resulted in a suspect being arrested and an e-bike being seized.

“Operation Gears is our response to the increasing use of these vehicles by criminals, who often steal such high-value bikes to support their illegal trade. 

“Our teams act on all information on the criminal use of such bikes, and we have a wealth of resources and tactics to track and locate them, including officers on the ground like in this case.

“Owners and users should make themselves aware of the laws around use of these bikes, as well as the ways you can keep your bike safe.”

If you see any illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible. Contact us via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/  or call 101, with reference 25000618357.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.

More information can be found here:
Merseyside Police launches Operation Gears to tackle criminality involving illegal two-wheeled vehicles | Merseyside Police
Advice on e-scooter usage | Merseyside Police
Protect your bike from theft | Merseyside Police