A certain type of electric motorcycle is at the heart of a controversy. These fast and quiet vehicles are increasingly involved in crimes, including robberies. Given their popularity, growing, the authorities are looking for solutions to limit their illegal use.
Electric motorcycles and bicycles are attracting more and more drivers thanks to their compact design, their lack of polluting emissions and their ease of use. Their power and maneuverability make them modern alternatives to scooters and small motocross bikes. But in the United Kingdom, a specific type of electric motorcycle inspired by Sur-Ron models, sold for around €5,700, is attracting the attention of law enforcement. According to several officials, these machines have become a favorite tool for certain criminals. accelerate quickly, travel discreetly and easily evade checks. They are notably used for snatch thefts, such as snatching mobile phones in the street. The British police have noted a worrying increase in these crimes, with more than 70,000 phones stolen in 2024 in London alone, and believe that these motorcycles are mainly used in an illegal context. Faced with this situation, they are considering stricter measures to regulate their use.
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These electric motorcycles are accused of being used almost exclusively for crime
These electric motorcycles are technically designed for off-road use, but they are widely used in urban environments. Their power often exceeds the limits imposed by regulations, and some are modified to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h. Faced with these abuses, British law enforcement agencies want to strengthen controls and are considering mandatory registration to better identify them. The Chinese manufacturer Sur-Ron, one of the leading manufacturers of this type of vehicle, has even reportedly been contacted to collaborate with the authorities.
Discussions now focus on several avenues: stricter restrictions, better enforcement of existing laws, or even an outright ban. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to limit illegal use without penalizing owners who use these motorcycles in a legal and recreational context.
With their growing popularity in the United Kingdom, these electric motorcycles could quickly attract the attention of authorities elsewhere in Europe. If their criminal use continues to increase, other countries may consider similar restrictions to regulate their circulation and limit abuse.
Source: dailymail
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