Force targets criminal use and non-compliant machines
North Yorkshire Police have announced an intensified campaign to tackle the criminal use of electric bicycles after what the force describes as a rise in robberies and antisocial behaviour involving such vehicles over the past year. The operation combines aerial surveillance, targeted enforcement and confiscation of machines that do not meet the legal definition of an electrically assisted pedal cycle.
Chief Constable Tim Forber confirmed officers are using drones to locate offenders and then tracing the bikes back to addresses for seizure. He said the force has also publicly displayed enforcement activity, including the crushing of some seized e‑bikes, to deter further offending.
"We have in the past year had an issue, particularly with e‑bikes being used to commit robbery. We are making some headway with that now, and we've done very publicly some things in terms of seizing e‑bikes and crushing them. We've used our drones extensively to track these offenders, to find out where they live, and then go and seize the bikes afterwards and and and dealing with them."
What the law requires
Police emphasise that many electric bicycles are legal to ride without a licence or insurance, provided they meet strict technical requirements. The force is focusing on machines that exceed those specifications and are therefore legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring taxation, insurance and a licence.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum rider age | 14 years old to ride an electrically assisted pedal cycle without a licence |
| Maximum motor power | 250 watts |
| Maximum assisted speed | 15.5 mph (assistance must cut out at this speed) |
Enforcement activity and community impact
The force says specially trained officers are assigned to monitor and pursue those who flout the rules or use altered or illegally powerful machines to facilitate crime. Tactics include drone surveillance, neighbourhood follow‑ups and seizures at addresses once suspects are identified.
- Surveillance: drones used to track movements and identify suspects
- Seizure and disposal: illegally used e‑bikes taken from homes and, in some cases, destroyed
- Prosecution: pursuing offenders where appropriate, and tracing ownership
For residents, the campaign aims to curb a method increasingly seen in street robberies and to reassure communities affected by antisocial behaviour. The force’s approach also sends a clear message to anyone considering altering an e‑bike for greater speed or power: such modifications can move a machine outside the legal category for an electrically assisted pedal cycle, bringing additional legal obligations and enforcement action.
Local people who witness offences or have information about the storage of illegal e‑bikes are encouraged to pass details to North Yorkshire Police to assist ongoing investigations.
