Police in the UK are engaged in a persistent struggle to apprehend individuals operating electric motorbikes illegally, with officers describing the situation as a "cat and mouse" game. These riders pose significant risks to public safety and private property, particularly in rural areas.
Special Constable Jack Warner, part of a Surrey Police team targeting these activities, highlighted the widespread nature of the problem. "They go on footpaths, they break into farmers' fields, which obviously damages the crops," Warner stated. He added that riders often take to public roads without proper safety equipment. "They might even go on the roads, which not only causes hazards to members of the public, but also to themselves because they're often not wearing helmets."
The performance capabilities of some electric motorbikes present an additional challenge for law enforcement. Warner noted that some bikes are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 40 mph (64 km/h), with newer models reportedly nearing 60 mph (96 km/h). This speed, combined with off-road terrain, makes pursuit difficult and dangerous.
"Most of them won't stop for us," Warner explained. "Pursuit tactics, especially off-road, are very limited." The inherent dangers of high-speed chases in unpredictable environments restrict police methods.
In one instance, officers apprehended a rider in Dorking High Street who had been seen performing wheelies and riding on the pavement. Police Constable Stephen Grout reported that the rider attempted to evade capture violently before the bike was seized. This incident is representative of the disregard for public order and safety exhibited by some illegal riders.
Residents have also reported observing groups of riders frequently racing through streets, causing distress and potential danger. The combination of illegal usage, high speeds, and evasive tactics has created a growing concern for communities across the affected areas. The seizure of illegally operated e-bikes, as seen in the Dorking incident, represents one of the limited but necessary measures police are taking to address the issue.