Police crack down on illegal electric bikes with arrest in Formby

Police activity linked to illegal electric bikes has led to an arrest in Formby as part of ongoing efforts to tackle dangerous riding and criminal use of these vehicles across the region.

At around 4.40pm on Wednesday 22 April, officers on patrol in Formby attempted to stop a male riding an electrically assisted bike. The rider made off but was quickly pursued on foot by officers and found hiding behind a parked car. He was detained, searched and the bike was seized under road traffic legislation.

The incident forms part of Operation Gears, an ongoing initiative targeting the illegal use of electric and electrically assisted bikes, which are often linked to wider criminal activity.

Further incidents were reported later the same evening across Merseyside. At around 6.15pm, officers received reports of riders wearing balaclavas on electric bikes performing wheelies along Stanley Road in Bootle. One rider was followed to an address where the bike was seized and the rider reported for road traffic offences.

During the same operation, an off road style motorcycle was spotted by the National Police Air Service helicopter being ridden dangerously in the Marsh Lane area. The rider was seen pulling wheelies, overtaking dangerously and riding on pavements and off road. He later abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to escape on foot but was tracked from above and detained.

A 19 year old man from Netherton was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue. The motorcycle was seized.

At around 7.25pm, another electrically assisted bike was tracked by the police helicopter towards Warbreck Moor. The 16 year old rider was detained by police dog Ziggy and his handler. He was arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence and without insurance and was dealt with by way of a Single Justice Procedure Notice. His bike was also seized.

Operation Gears is focused on tackling the illegal and dangerous use of electric bikes and similar vehicles, which are frequently used to move drugs and weapons around the region.

Inspector Mark Berry from the Matrix Disruption Team said officers remain committed to keeping roads safe and taking firm action against those using vehicles illegally or dangerously. He added that police also want to protect those who ride legally and responsibly.

The operation will continue with further patrols, enforcement and engagement activity across Merseyside. Police say their work, including bike marking schemes and targeted interventions, has already contributed to a reduction in related offences.

Anyone who witnesses illegal or dangerous use of electric bikes, scooters or motorcycles is encouraged to report it to police via 101 or through the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on social media. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Single Justice Procedure Notice is used for minor offences and allows a magistrate to deal with the case without a full court hearing, helping to speed up the process.