The use of illegal electric bikes and electric dirt bikes on public roads has been a growing issue in the US, prompting police departments to come up with new strategies to catch offenders. In California, several police departments are now utilizing small drones to track down individuals who flee from traffic stops on these illegal vehicles.
These drones, equipped with upgraded camera equipment, provide a safe and efficient way to monitor and follow suspects without putting pedestrians or officers at risk. This new approach marks a significant shift in how cities are responding to the increase in unregistered, high-powered electric motorbikes and minibikes on public roads.
One recent example shared by the Irvine Police Department involved a 16-year-old who fled from officers on a Stark Varg electric dirt bike. With the assistance of their drone team, the police were able to quickly locate the teenager and safely take him into custody. The juvenile was unlicensed, and the motorcycle was impounded, with the parent who purchased it being cited for allowing their child to ride it illegally.
Similarly, the Desert Hot Springs Police Department used a drone to catch a juvenile riding a non-street-legal minibike on city streets. The drone followed the rider as he weaved through traffic and eventually led the police back to his residence, where he was arrested without incident.
While some police departments still rely on helicopters for tracking suspects, these drones offer a more cost-effective and efficient alternative. As the issue of illegal electric bikes continues to pose challenges for law enforcement, the use of drones provides a valuable tool for monitoring and apprehending offenders.
The deployment of drones for enforcement purposes raises important questions about surveillance and the regulation of micromobility vehicles. As electric bikes and dirt bikes blur legal categories and create enforcement gaps, the use of technology like drones helps bridge these gaps and improve public safety.
In conclusion, the days of evading police on illegal electric bikes may be coming to an end as law enforcement agencies adapt to new technologies for tracking and apprehending offenders. The use of drones represents a modern and effective approach to addressing the challenges posed by illegal electric vehicles on public roads.
