Merseyside Police launches Operation Gears to tackle criminality involving illegal two-wheeled vehicles

 Merseyside Police has launched Operation Gears, a targeted campaign to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour linked to the illegal use of two-wheeled vehicles, including electric motorcycles, e-scooters and non-compliant electric bikes.

The operation comes in response to a sharp rise in incidents involving these vehicles, which are increasingly being used in serious organised crime, including drug supply, robberies, and violent offences across Merseyside.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over recent months, police have seen a spike in thefts and robberies involving e-bikes. Criminals are increasingly 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 illegal use of these vehicles causes disruption and distress within communities. Local Policing teams will be running regular operations to deal with those who continue to cause danger and disorder on the region’s roads and open spaces.

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

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.

Since 1 January 2025, Merseyside Police has seized more than 500 unregistered vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, and scramblers) across the region after they were used without insurance or a valid licence. Many have also been involved in other serious offences and road traffic collisions.

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.”

Operation Gears coincides with the force’s Safer Streets Summer campaign, which will see enhanced uniformed patrols and targeted operations in town centres aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, including shoplifting, violence, and knife crime.

Safer Streets Summer is part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – a long-term commitment to increasing police visibility, particularly in town centres, and ensuring every urban and rural community has a named neighbourhood officer.

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.”

How to keep you and your e-bike safe:

• 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.