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 | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022. Her portfolio then expanded in January 2024 where she now leads our work across fraud and economic crime. 

In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

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

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