For this episode Laura is on the street with the City of London Police’s Cycling Team, who are busy tackling the growing problem of non-compliant e-motorbikes. Twist-and-go e-motorbikes are technically legal on Britain’s roads but only under specific circumstances. That hasn't stopped online suppliers flooding Britain's streets with cheap, non-compliant machines, via a loophole that allows them to be sold for use use on private land.
By law, any machine used on the roads that goes faster than 3.7mph on a throttle, or over 15.5mph under pedal assist, is classed as a motor vehicle, and needs a driving license, full helmet and insurance.
However, these vehicles are widely confused by the media, the public, insurers and transport operators with e-bikes - causing significant harm to the legitimate industry. They are also a fire safety issue, with batteries or chargers that fail to meet UK safety standards causing devastating house fires.
Sergeant Stuart Ford and his ten-person strong Cycling Team focus entirely on cycle-related crime in the City of London, including the use of illegal e-motorbikes or ‘fake e-bikes’. Often it’s gig economy riders on low wages trying to get around as quickly as possible, but increasingly commuters are seen on them. They are also popular among criminals - all of which keeps Sgt Ford and his team very busy.
The episode starts in the City of London Police yard, before heading out onto the street to watch Sgt Ford and his team spot and stop riders on suspect machines. We get a snapshot into their working lives, and some of the challenges they are facing tackling this issue.
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