Busted! UK Cops to Use Sci-Fi Backpacks on Bike Bandits

The UK police are considering the use of innovative Ghostbusters-style backpack devices to combat crimes involving electric bikes (ebikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters).

📌Device Functionality: The device uses electromagnetic rays to disable the engines of ebikes and e-scooters. It works by transmitting a pulse that tricks the electric motor into believing it is overheating, causing it to shut down. A clear line of sight is required for the device to operate effectively.

📌Development and Collaboration: The Defence Science and Technology Lab, under the Ministry of Defence, is collaborating on the project. The device is still in development and may take several months or longer to become available.

📌Potential Applications: While primarily designed for ebikes and e-scooters, there is potential for the device to be used on conventional combustion engine vehicles as well.

📌Safety and Efficacy: The police are optimistic that the device will not pose any harm to humans or other devices. The technology was showcased to police leaders at the Farnborough technology show.

📌Context and Need: The rise in popularity of ebikes and e-scooters has led to their use in thousands of crimes due to their speed and agility. The nature of police pursuits has evolved, with a shift from chasing cars on motorways to dealing with fast-moving electric bikes in urban areas.

📌Existing Technology: Police already have technology to halt cars remotely using radio and electromagnetic waves, but the new device is tailored to the specific challenges posed by electric bikes and scooters.