EWJ June 2024 web - Journal - Page 41
E-bikes: A New Challenge
for Forensic Classification in
Criminal Investigations
In our recent Collision Investigation webinar, Collision Reconstruction – Finding Order in the
Chaos, our expert Chris Goddard discussed the future of collision investigations, which included
e-bikes and e-scooters. Chris Goddard - Forensic Collision Consultant, has over 25 years
of experience as a Forensic Collision Consultant working on hundreds of cases, including major
crime, predominantly dangerous driving and driving without due care and attention.
In this article, we spoke to Chris who shares his
thoughts on e-bikes as a new type of evidence in his
collision investigation cases.
“The number of e-bikes and e-scooter crashes that we
are experiencing where the bike is not a ‘true’ e-bike
or e-scooter but should be classed as a motor vehicle
is becoming very common. It's becoming increasingly
important that we differentiate between these two
classifications.”
Therefore, it is important for police forces and legal
professionals to understand that these types of cases
present numerous challenges. The most important of
which is the classification between ‘true’ e-bikes and
e-scooters and then those that are motor vehicles.
What is an e-bike or e-scooter?
An e-bike, short for electric bicycle, is a bicycle
equipped with an electric motor that can assist with
pedalling. It combines the traditional components of
a bicycle (like pedals and wheels) with an electric
motor, battery, and often a controller that allows the
rider to adjust the level of assistance.
The number of e-bikes used in the UK is increasing
year-on-year as riders can travel further and with less
effort than traditional bicycles, making them a popular choice for commuting, leisure rides, and even as
an alternative to cars for short-distance travel. In fact,
Transport for London (TfL) are investing in e-bikes,
increasing the number of available e-bikes in London
City Centre from 600 to 2,000 e-bikes. (See figure one
on next page).
E-bikes and e-scooters can offer an eco-friendly
alternative to motor vehicles, contributing to reduced
traffic congestion and pollution especially in City Centres. This explains why government and councils
across the UK are rolling out schemes to encourage ebikes, such as the beryl bikes located on the South
Coast, West Midlands and other towns and cities
across England.
Despite the popularity for commuters and benefits to
the environment, the number of crashes involving
e-bikes and e-scooters is increasing too.