Man arrested after electrically assisted bike seen speeding in Croxteth

A man was arrested after officers spotted an electrically assisted bike speeding in Croxteth on Wednesday (23 July).

Proactive Roads Policing patrols on Stonebridge Lane saw the vehicle appearing to be exceeding 40mph at about 5pm, but when officers engaged with the rider he rode away.

The suspect narrowly missed a pedestrian and was pursued around a nearby housing estate. He rode on pavements and pulled into the path of a car that had to brake suddenly before losing control of the bike and falling off.

As the suspect tried to get back on the bike, the officers carefully drove their vehicle onto the bike’s back wheel and detained the rider.

A 19-year-old man from Old Swan was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance. He has been released under invesitgation.

The bike was found to be capable of top speeds of more than 50mph as well as having worn tyres, no brakes on the rear wheel, pedals that did not function

Roads Policing Inspector Ian Cowell said: “We simply will not tolerate people risking the safety of others and themselves by riding electric bikes at speed on our roads and pavements.

“The speed limit for electrically-assisted bikes is set at a maximum of 15.5mph for very good reason. When they are ridden at speed they can pose a very real danger to the rider and others. This risk only increases when the bike has faulty brakes, pedals that don’t work and tyres that are worn.

“Through Operation Gears, we are taking proactive action by seizing illegal bikes, arresting offenders, and increasing high-visibility patrols where the public and our own patrols identify issues. 

“Our activity is aimed at disrupting criminality and ultimately protecting our communities. You can help us keep your community safe by reporting anyone suspected of riding or storing illegal vehicles to us or to Crimestoppers. When you give us information about illegal electric bikes, we will take action."

Anyone with information on electric bikes can contact Merseyside Police social media desk 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.

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.