A Pennsylvania rider says a tow company employee was caught riding their impounded electric dirt bike, but police would not intervene.
The rider, who said they recorded the incident, also alleged the company pressured them to surrender the expensive bike.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread, the rider revealed they were alongside a road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, when police impounded the bike over a registration issue.
"I understand I am in the wrong," they told the r/legaladvice community in a follow-up. "I was just trying to get to work."
Access to the rider's house keys was also part of the dispute. They alleged that the company refused to let them retrieve the keys from the bike and was upset that they had contacted police.
The rider said their video captured a tow company employee riding the bike on a public street and then into the company's shop.
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"OK that sounds like the initial tow was lawful," one commenter reacted. "The tow company's subsequent use of the bike may not be lawful."
More background
The bike's aftermarket parts helped the rider recognize it while someone else was riding it, they said. They said they bought the bike with their own money, built it, and added those parts themselves.
"This was a very expensive bike I bought with my own money and I can [not] afford for them to just take this from me," they concluded.
The original poster explained that Bensalem relies on third-party towing companies rather than operating its own tow service and yard.
Recovering an impounded motorcycle may depend on meeting release requirements, another commenter noted.
What can be done?
One commenter suggested small claims court as an option for disputing unreasonable charges. That commenter also recommended a certified letter with a return receipt to demand the bike's release and an accounting of towing and storage charges through the date of the return request.
Another poster suggested finding out how much they owe and preparing a cashier's check. The OP added more details on the saga, with a commenter focusing on the detail that the company "never gave me an itemized bill for the tow/ storage."
"You should ask for that," a user reacted. "If they refuse, tell the police your bike has been stolen and present your evidence that they have been using/modifying the bike."
The OP revealed they were looking to get on that, potentially with an attorney. They considered recording the interaction but were warned they would have to inform the company.
"Be aware that after you inform them, they have the right not to speak to you while being recorded," a commenter advised.
Where can I learn more?
For electric bike riders, classification and enforcement disputes can mean restrictions, fines, or seized vehicles.
• Riders say police prioritize speed rather than wattage when deciding how to classify e-bikes.
• Queensland crushed 59 seized e-bikes and e-scooters weeks after tough new laws took effect.
• A Texas rider says legal e-bikes face bans as 40-mph e-motos fuel trail backlash.
• Agawam, Massachusetts, moved to raise teen e-bike fines and make parents pay for repeat offenses.
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