Boy convicted of electric bike offences

A 16-year-old has been convicted of multiple driving offences and handed a 12-month driving disqualification after riding through the town centre on an electrtic motorcycle.

The boy rode his Sur-Ron bike illegally through the town centre of Hertford during a busy period on Saturday 25th April.

Following an appearance at Stevenage Magistrates Court on Thursday (1st October) the 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of:

• Failing to stop when directed by a police officer
• Using a motor vehicle without insurance
• Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
• Driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without due care and attention
• Driving whilst disqualified

After pleading not guilty to all offences at an earlier hearing in July, he was found guilty and handed a further 12-month disqualification and a nine-month Youth Offending Team Referral Order, as well as a fine.

This means that his ban includes any propelled motor vehicle, including Sur-Rons.

PC Greg Jones from the Hertford Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Illegal off-road bikes such as Sur-Rons pose a significant risk to pedestrians, other road users and the riders themselves.

"I welcome this court result and hope it provides reassurance to our communities that we will relentlessly pursue those who commit offences and put others at risk. Regardless of age, anyone who believes they can ignore the law and endanger the public can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

"We continue to receive reports of Sur-Rons and similar bikes being used illegally and anti-socially, particularly in Hertford town centre and around the Bircherley Green area. This behaviour causes concern within our communities and puts pedestrians, other road users and riders themselves at unnecessary risk.

"Tackling acquisitive crime remains a key priority for the Hertford Neighbourhood Policing Team. We will continue to take robust action to identify offenders, seize vehicles where appropriate and disrupt criminal activity.

"We would encourage anyone with information about the illegal use of these bikes, or any associated criminality, to report it to us. Information from the public is invaluable in helping us take positive action and keep our communities safe."