UK Police Auction Seized E-Bikes, Raising Concerns Over Criminal Reuse
Thousands of confiscated e-bikes are sold to the public annually, despite fears they could end up back in criminal hands.
E-bikes confiscated by police forces in the United Kingdom are being sold at auction, a practice that has raised concerns about them potentially re-entering criminal networks, a BBC investigation has found. While most seized e-bikes are destroyed, the BBC's Freedom of Information request revealed that police forces sold at least 161 e-bikes last year and 54 in the first part of 2024. The actual number could be higher as not all forces responded to the request.
Some police forces have discontinued the practice, while others defend it as a means of generating revenue for policing. Six forces, including large ones like West Midlands Police and Police Scotland, reported selling seized e-bikes. The figures encompass both electrically-assisted pedal cycles, which resemble bicycles with motor assistance, and more powerful electric motorbikes.
The proliferation of e-bikes has become a contentious issue, with some associating them with crime and anti-social behavior. Recent reports have highlighted instances of individuals using e-bikes illegally on footpaths and instances of fatal accidents involving electric motorbikes.
Police Scotland, which sold 93 e-bikes last year, stated that seized e-bikes are sent to an accredited recycler who may then auction them, with proceeds returning to the force. West Yorkshire Police sold two e-bikes last year, with funds shared between the force and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and noted that all sold bikes were "legally compliant." West Midlands Police sold 12 e-bikes, describing a "small number" being sold via an independent auction company to return money to policing, while the "vast majority" are destroyed.
The investigation also found that some forces have sold e-scooters, despite it being illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters on public property. Durham Constabulary sold three e-scooters and 24 e-bikes last year, but has since reviewed its policy and will no longer sell such vehicles. West Mercia Police sold one e-scooter and 24 e-bikes, also indicating a policy change.
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, urged police forces to cease selling e-bikes, referring to them as a "transport of choice for drug gangs" due to their speed and maneuverability. He expressed suspicion that some criminals may attempt to repurchase their seized vehicles at auction. Grunshaw also voiced concerns that legally purchased e-bikes could be modified with illegal tuning kits, enabling speeds exceeding 40 mph, far beyond the legal limit of 15.5 mph for pedal-assisted e-bikes.
Durham Constabulary, which sold 29 e-bikes last year, confirmed to the BBC that its policy has been revised and all seized e-bikes will now be "crushed without exception." Greater Manchester Police reported selling one e-bike last year.
Police forces commonly use commercial auction websites, such as Raw2k, to sell seized vehicles. Listings on these sites occasionally indicate that items are "sold at the direction of police."