Anger and fear over 'dangerous' illegal e-motorbike riders

Residents in towns and villages have expressed growing anger and fear over the dangerous behavior of riders on powerful electric motorbikes. These riders are often seen performing wheelies, riding on the wrong side of the road, and riding on pavements and footpaths at high speeds. Many communities have reported instances where riders have aimed their bikes at pedestrians, causing fear and near misses.

Some residents have even described the presence of masked riders, raising concerns about the potential for criminal activity. The police have introduced new powers to seize vehicles used antisocially without issuing a warning first. While the government acknowledges the issue, some residents, like Britt from Burgess Hill, fear the consequences of continued illegal e-motorbike use, including potential muggings or violent encounters.

The anonymity provided by face coverings and the speed of these motorbikes have raised fears among the community. In a tragic incident, an 86-year-old woman was killed by a rider on an illegal and defective e-motorbike in Sunderland. Another 20-year-old rider narrowly escaped injury while being chased by another e-motorbike rider.

Across the region, there are reports of large groups of riders traveling together on roads, pavements, and public rights of way, causing significant concern. Police efforts to combat illegal e-motorbike use are ongoing, but the challenge remains due to the variety of vehicles and their high performance capabilities.