Police-seized e-bikes sold at auction despite concerns over criminal reuse

UK police forces have sold hundreds of seized e-bikes at online auctions, despite concerns that some could return to criminal use, a BBC investigation has found. Police forces told the BBC that 161 e-bikes were sold last year and 54 in 2024. The actual total may be higher because not every force responded to the broadcaster’s Freedom of Information request.

The vehicles included electrically assisted pedal cycles and electric motorbikes. Police seize them because they are suspected of being used illegally or in crimes. Most seized bikes are destroyed, but six forces confirmed that some had been sold, including Police Scotland and West Midlands Police.

Police Scotland said it sends seized e-bikes to an accredited recycler, which may then auction them, with proceeds returned to the force. It sold 93 seized e-bikes last year. West Yorkshire Police said two bikes were sold and that all were legally compliant; proceeds were divided between the force and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with some money going to local causes.

West Midlands Police said the vast majority of seized bikes were destroyed, while a small number were sold through an independent auction company to put money back into policing. Commercial sites have advertised vehicles as sold at police direction. Some forces also sold e-scooters, whose private use on public property is illegal in the UK.

Durham Constabulary and West Mercia Police said they had reviewed their policies and would no longer sell e-bikes or e-scooters. Durham said its seized e-bikes would now be crushed without exception. Critics fear criminals could buy compliant bikes and fit tuning kits that increase their speed.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw urged forces to stop the practice, saying e-bikes had become attractive to drug gangs.