The use of e-scooters and e-bikes in criminal activities has surged in the UK, with police forces reporting a 730% increase in crimes involving these vehicles over the last five years. Officers in London, particularly from the City of London Police, have seized over 400 illegal electric vehicles in the past 18 months, including high-powered e-bikes that can reach speeds of up to 75 mph, far exceeding the legal limit.
The rise in crime, including phone snatching, robberies, and drug trafficking, has been linked to the increasing availability and popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, which are often used by criminals for their low cost and ability to evade detection by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Many of the stolen vehicles are modified to exceed the 250-watt power output and 15.5 mph speed limit set by the law for e-bikes.
In the year 2023/24, police recorded 11,266 crimes involving electric bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles, a sharp rise from just 1,354 incidents in 2019/20. These crimes range from violent robberies, such as phone thefts, to more serious offenses including stabbings, shootings, and drug trafficking.
One of the most alarming trends is the use of e-bikes in violent thefts. In London, the Metropolitan Police reported a 40% increase in phone robberies committed by e-bike riders from 2022 to 2023. Criminals have even been using e-bikes to snatch phones at high speeds in busy areas, with some offenders riding as fast as 50 mph.
E-scooters are also a target for police enforcement. The law permits only rental e-scooters to be used on public roads, with private e-scooters banned for use on the streets. For e-bikes, riders must adhere to strict regulations, including limits on speed and power output. Any e-bike exceeding these limits is classified as a motorbike or moped and must be registered, insured, and licensed.
Police forces have increased patrols and are using advanced technologies to combat the rise in e-bike-related crimes. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of illegal vehicles on the streets and their use in criminal activity continue to pose significant challenges for law enforcement.
Sergeant Stu Ford from the City of London Police emphasized the danger these high-speed vehicles pose, especially to pedestrians. With e-bikes capable of reaching speeds similar to motorcycles, accidents involving these vehicles can have deadly consequences. Police are urging the public to report illegal e-bike and e-scooter use to help curb the growing problem.