E-bikes danger – man arrested
Police are urging the public to help tackle anti-social and potentially dangerous behaviour of youths riding e-bikes.
The appeal follows an incident in Lincoln last Friday when a group of men wearing balaclavas were riding e-bikes dangerously around the city centre at around 2pm.
The Lincoln Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) spotted a person matching the description of earlier reports and stopped and arrested an 18-year-old man.
Following a search, the man was further arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug. An e-bike was also seized as part of the investigation.
The 18-year-old has been released under investigation while inquiries are ongoing. An e-bike was seized and is pictured being taken away strapped to a truck.
“Like other areas in the country, we’re seeing an increase in the use of e-bikes and in particular off-road e-bikes. They are also being linked to criminality,” said Inspector Jason Baxter from the Roads Policing Unit.
“We’re pulling our resources together from Specialist Operations and Neighbourhood Policing to deal with anti-social behaviour created by thoughtless and irresponsible riders.
“We’re looking to our communities to work with us to prevent the anti-social behaviour that is being experienced within our communities.
"These irresponsible riders are family members and friends; people will know who they are.
“If somebody you know or love is riding one of these bikes illegally in an anti-social or dangerous manner, I’d urge you to speak with them about the consequences of their actions and the danger they’re putting themselves and others in, as well as the potential penalties they face such as fines, penalty points and losing the bike should we seize it.
“We’re asking people to share any information with us that will identify people responsible for riding illegal bikes on our roads and public spaces causing a danger to those around them and themselves.
“Please call our control room on 101 or 999 if a rider is causing an immediate danger to the public or report online if there is no longer any imminent danger.
“Make a note of the dates, times, locations, the descriptions of the bikes, any clothing the riders are wearing. We’d be keen to view any CCTV or recorded footage of the bikes and to know any addresses the bikes are being stored at or visiting.
“In appropriate circumstances we have tactics available to our trained officers and pursuit managers who are able to authorise certain tactics in relation to illegal bikes. We would always prefer to prevent offences and dangerous incidents than to have to deal with the consequences afterwards.”
An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC).
An EAPC can be ridden on a road or cycle path like any other bicycle by any person over 14 years of age. There are many riders who use these bikes lawfully and safely.
The bikes must have pedals and the electric motor must not allow the bike to travel at more than 15.5mph. The bike must have approved markings to identify the power of the bike and the manufacturer.
If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules then it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped. A non EAPC often has a different frame and a suspension system with wider tyres. They are able to exceed 15.5mph.
These more powerful electric motorbikes or mopeds must have lights and indicators, a registration plate, the rider must have insurance and the bike must have a current test certificate and vehicle tax. The rider is required to wear a helmet that meets British safety standards and have a valid driving licence to ride one, with at least a category A1 or CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) licence, depending on the class of bike.
If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules it can only be ridden on the road and cannot be ridden on cycle tracks or cycle lanes. These bikes will be seized if our officers have cause to deal with anybody using them in a public place.