Police are searching for brazen thieves who stole a specially built electric bike from a teenager living with a disability. The $5000 customised e-bike, designed for 13-year-old Harley Stokes, was taken from his home in Lake Coogee, Perth, on Sunday morning, leaving the schoolboy devastated.
Bike gave independence to teen
Harley, who lives with achondroplasia, the most common form of short stature, said the bike gave him freedom. "It gives me independence. I don't have to wait all day for mum to come pick me up," he told 7NEWS. "And sometimes I go to the skate park with my friends."
His mother Natasha said the bike had a significant positive impact on his mental health. "We really noticed a change in his mental health as soon as he got the bike. It meant that he could go places and be the same as every other 13-year-old boy," she said.
Rare bike stolen from family home
The bike, one of only five in Australia, was a birthday present and had been in Harley's possession for just six months. It was stolen when the family's home was broken into. Three hooded individuals were captured on CCTV leaving with the bike.
Natasha expressed confusion over the theft. "I don't know why these people have taken the bike. It's of no use to anyone else. It's too small to the ground, it's very uncomfortable for anyone to ride. It's just not practical for anyone," she said.
Police investigation underway
Police have launched an investigation to find those responsible. However, Natasha has issued a plea for the bike's safe return, no questions asked. "It's really hard to replace," she said. Harley also made a direct appeal: "Please give me my bike back. I really want it back."
