E-bikes seized by police sold on at auction, BBC finds
Summary
Police forces in the UK have been selling electric bikes (e-bikes) they seized during investigations at online auctions. While some forces say the sales help fund policing, others have stopped the practice due to concerns that criminals might buy the bikes back and use them illegally.Key Facts
- UK police seized thousands of e-bikes each year for suspicions of illegal use or involvement in crimes.
- In 2023, police sold at least 161 e-bikes, and 54 so far in 2024, though exact numbers might be higher.
- Some police forces, like Police Scotland and West Midlands Police, sell seized e-bikes through auctions to raise money for police work.
- E-bikes include pedal-assist bikes that require pedaling and more powerful electric motorbikes that only run on a motor.
- The sale of e-bikes is controversial because some people think they are linked to crime and dangerous behavior.
- Some police forces have stopped selling e-bikes and instead crush (destroy) all seized vehicles to prevent them returning to criminals.
- Illegal e-bikes can be modified to go much faster than the legal limit of 15.5 mph using online "tuning kits".
- E-scooters, which are illegal to use on public roads privately in the UK, have also been sold by some forces but are now mostly banned from sale.
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