Putting the brakes on E-Scooter and E-Bike enabled crime

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a Market Exploration to tackle E-scooter and E-bike enabled crime. DASA is looking for innovative solutions, on behalf of the Home Office, to enable UK Police to bring these vehicles to a controlled stop. techUK members with relevant technology solutions are invited to find out more, submit their idea, or contact their regional DASA Innovation Partner.

This Market Exploration is being run on behalf of the Home Office (HO) and seeks technologies from across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum.

Stopping E-Scooter and E-bike crime in its tracks

Lawfully used E-Scooters and E-Bikes have many positive benefits, such as portability and eco-friendliness. However, when used unlawfully, UK Policing faces several challenges when trying to bring these vehicles to a controlled stop, without risk to the rider, public, or police officers.

Challenges in bringing E-Scooters and E-bikes to a controlled stop include:

• The lack of protective equipment, such as helmets, worn by unlawful riders – especially when travelling at high speeds
• The small wheels and high-centre of gravity of E-scooters which make the rider vulnerable when losing control of the vehicle

What innovations are DASA and the Home Office looking for?

We are looking for solutions, innovative capabilities and ideas for stopping or preventing E-Scooter and E-Bike enabled crime at any maturity level. This includes solutions that allow E-Scooters, E-Bikes or suspects using them unlawfully to be electronically located post event, to reduce the need for a vehicle pursuit.

Solutions may include innovations that:

• render a stationary E-Scooter or E-Bike incapable of moving
• bring a moving E-Scooter or E-Bike to a controlled stop
• is deployable in many locations against E-Scooters or E-Bikes whilst they are moving or stationary, i.e. the system/technology should be readily portable
• is target specific, i.e. does not affect persons or technology around the suspect vehicle
• is reliable in use and consistent when activated

Do you have an in-depth understanding of emerging capabilities, technologies, initiatives and novel approaches that may help prevent E-Scooter and E-Bike enabled crime? Submit an idea and help inform UK Police in methods for improving their capability in bringing E-Scooter and E-Bikes to a controlled stop.

Georgie Morgan

Head of Justice and Emergency Services, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.

Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/

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