23-Year-Old Jailed After High-Speed E-Bike Chase in Merseyside

On Tuesday, September 8, police observed Joel Carrol, 23, riding an electric dirt bike on Arrowe Park Road. He ignored orders to stop, rode on pavements and the wrong side of the road, and during the pursuit mounted a kerb, lost control and fell. After getting to his feet he fled on foot and was later apprehended on Hambledon Drive. At Liverpool Crown Court he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified and failing to stop. He was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment.

Liverpool Echo

Merseyside Police’s “Operation Gears” targets illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters and electric motorcycles, linking such vehicles to serious crime, robberies and antisocial behaviour. The campaign launched in June 2025 and, according to police statements, has resulted in the seizure of more than 1,600 two-wheeled vehicles across the region.

Wirral Globe

Inspector Simon Wilson said the offender’s actions endangered motorists, pedestrians and police officers. He emphasized that Merseyside Police will not tolerate the dangerous use of illegal bikes and that the sentence is intended as a warning. The force also urged the public to report any illegal use of electric two-wheelers via its contact channels.

Wirral Globe

• Age of offender: 23 years.

Wirral Globe

• Sentence: 12 months’ imprisonment.

Liverpool Echo

• Operation Gears seizures since June 2025: > 1,600 two-wheeled vehicles.

Wirral Globe

Liverpool Crown Court heard the case on Wednesday, September 9, according to the Liverpool Echo, while the Wirral Globe reports the sentencing hearing took place on September 10. Both outlets agree on the charges, the sentence and the circumstances of the chase, but differ on the exact court date.

Wirral Globe

• “Carrol’s crimes endangered motorists and pedestrians that day after he rode in such a dangerous manner without a licence.” — Inspector Simon Wilson — Inspector Simon Wilson

Wirral Globe