Purple Surron seized in St Austell and likely headed for the crusher

A rider on a bright purple electric motorbike led a St Austell patrol officer on a chase through the town centre this morning, then abandoned the bike and ran off on foot rather than explain himself.

What happened

According to St Austell Police, one of their officers was given the run around by the rider of a purple framed Surron E motorcycle being ridden around the town centre.

The rider, in the force’s words, “wasn’t keen on having a chat on why he bought a purple one” and dumped the bike on Carlyon Road before making off on foot. It has now been seized under powers available to police under the Road Traffic Act and, the force says, will likely end up being crushed.

Why police are clamping down

St Austell Police say these machines are capable of rapid acceleration and speeds of up to 60 mph, and pose a real risk of serious injury and harm to other road users and pedestrians.

Bikes of this type are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. To be used on a road or in a public place they need to be registered with the DVLA, insured and have a valid MOT, and the rider needs a valid UK driving licence.

Not the first, not the last

The force was blunt about what comes next for anyone riding one where they shouldn’t. “This isn’t the first one and won’t be the last one that we will seize,” the post said. “The simple request is that unless you want to lose something which probably cost you at least £2k, don’t ride it on the road or in a public place.”

📷Credit: St Austell Police