Man arrested and high-powered electric bike seized in Liverpool

A man has been arrested after an illegal high-powered electric bike was seen being ridden dangerously in Childwall on Monday 18 August.

Just after 5pm officers sighted a male wearing a balaclava on Queens Drive travelling towards Childwall Fiveways roundabout on an illegal electric adapted pedal cycle and riding at speeds in excess of 30mph.

It was further reported the male rode erratically on pavements and the road towards Allerton Road, overtaking traffic and showing a complete disregard for other road users.

Following a police pursuit a man was detained on Arundle Avenue.

An 18-year-old man from Aigburth was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to stop for police. He has been released under investigation.

Sergeant for Roads Policing, Jed Ferguson said: “This was a high-powered electric bike which didn’t have any insurance or road tax, and was being ridden dangerously with no regard for public safety.

“A legally produced electric assisted pedal cycle is designed to have a maximum power output of 250 watts and can only reach a legal maximum speed of 15.5mph.

"However, this bike seized is a standard pedal mountain bike, but it has been modified with a power unit, allowing it to reach speeds in excess of 40mph and therefore falls under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Most offences relating to the Road Traffic Act and motorcycles then apply, including driving licences, no insurance, drink and drug driving.”

Sergeant Ferguson added: “Operation Gears is Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of electric and electrically assisted bikes by criminals, who often steal them to travel around Merseyside transporting drugs and weapons. 

“While our officers on proactive patrol are always on the lookout for criminality, we also act on any information on the criminal use of such bikes.

“We will deploy all the necessary tactical responses and resources available in order for us to disrupt those who steal them and use them to commit crime, bring them to justice and seize their vehicles.”

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, quoting Op Gears.
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