Dramatic footage shows police chasing offenders through the streets of Merseyside
Police have released dramatic footage of offenders being chased on electric bikes through the city. The footage has been shared following a sharp rise in incidents involving electric motorcycles and e-scooters, which are increasingly being used in serious organised crime.
Police said criminals are turning to these vehicles to transport drugs and weapons across Merseyside’s roads, pavements and public footpaths, often stealing high-value bikes to support their illegal trade.
The force has released a series of video clips showing police chases, arrests and seizures as part of its Operation Gears campaign, targeted at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour linked to the illegal use of two-wheeled vehicles, including electric motorcycles, e-scooters and non-compliant electric bikes.
Operation Gears aims to disrupt this growing threat by seizing illegal vehicles, arresting offenders, and increasing patrols in hotspot areas to protect communities and prevent further harm.
Merseyside Police has launched its Operation Gears campaign(Image: Merseyside Police)
Under current UK law, private e-scooters cannot be ridden on public highways or in public spaces. They are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission.
If you don’t have the correct licence or are riding without insurance, you could face a Fixed Penalty Notice, which may include:
- A £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
- A £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence
You could also be committing an offence if you’re caught:
- Riding on a pavement
- Using a mobile phone or other handheld device while riding
- Riding through red lights
- Riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs
The campaign is a crackdown targeted at tackling crime and antisocial behaviour linked to the illegal use of bikes(Image: Merseyside Police)
If you’re using an e-bike that does not conform to the EAPC Regulations, on a road or in a public space, or an EAPC in an antisocial manner, you also risk the vehicle being seized.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, who leads Operation Gears for Merseyside Police, said: “The illegal and dangerous use of two-wheeled vehicles across Merseyside is a growing concern.
“That’s why through Operation Gears, Merseyside Police is taking firm and proactive action, seizing illegal bikes, arresting offenders, and increasing patrols in key areas to disrupt criminal networks and keep our communities safe.
“The reckless use of e-bikes, off road motorcycles and e-scooters are more than just a nuisance to communities, they are being used to commit serious criminal activity including drug supply, weapons offences and violence.
“The public can expect to see various operations targeting two-wheeled vehicles over the summer months and beyond, to provide a visible presence and disrupt offenders.”
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular across Merseyside, but their high value has also made them a growing target for thieves. Merseyside Police is urging all e-bike owners to take proactive steps to protect their property.
Superintendent Phil Mullally added: “Innocent people using e-bikes are often targeted and fall victim to robbery or theft by individuals who are intent to use them to assist their criminal activity. We understand how distressing this can be and are working hard to reduce this through targeted patrols and wider prevention advice.
“We would encourage all e-bike owners to use security measures such as the Bike Register, investing in high quality locks and GPS tracking devices.
“Most importantly, if your e-bike is stolen or you witness a crime involving this type of vehicle, please report it to us immediately. Timely reports help us take swift action and contribute to making our streets safer for everyone.”
The term ‘e-bike’ is a generic term used to describe all two-wheeled electric vehicles. Some e-bikes are legal to use on a road or other public places just like a standard pedal cycle. These legal e-bikes must conform to the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, police say.
EAPCs are legal to ride without a licence or insurance if the rider is aged 14 or over and the bike meets the following criteria:
- The motor must have a maximum output of 250 watts
- The motor must only assist while pedalling (not via a ‘twist and go’ throttle/accelerator)
- The electric motor must disengage once the bike reaches 15.5 mph (25 kmph)
- The bike must display manufacturer information, battery details, maximum speed, and power output, either on a securely fitted plate or clearly marked on the frame
If an e-bike does not meet these criteria, it is classed as an electric moped or electric motorcycle and must comply with relevant laws, including registration, insurance, helmet use, and appropriate licensing.
Merseyside Police has issued advice on how to keep you and your e-bike safe. It says:
- Find and keep a record of the frame number. This usually stamped into the frame. This is an important number should your e-bike be stolen.
- Use a high-quality lock and secure your bike when not in use.
- Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
- Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
- Register your bike with a security marking scheme such as Bike Register and consider fitting a GPS tracking device.
- Attend a free bike marking event where officers will mark your bike for free. Visit your local policing Facebook page for upcoming event details.
- At night display lights to the front and rear so that other road users can see you.
- Wear light clothes or a florescent vest and it’s always advisable to wear a safety helmet.