Warwickshire Police is raising awareness of the law on privately owned e-scooters – amid concerns over their illegal use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements.
Under Government regulations, e-scooters are classed as ‘powered transporters’ – a term used to cover a variety of novel and emerging personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
This means anyone who uses a privately owned e-scooter on a public road or other prohibited space is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.
Between 29 March and 1 April, Warwickshire Police stopped and spoke to 14 e-scooter riders.
Warwickshire Police says those stopped, who were mostly teenagers, were taken home, where the legislation around e-scooters was explained to them and their parents or guardian. Their names and e-scooter details were also recorded.
The force adds the initiative follows an increase in complaints from the public, who have expressed safety concerns around the speed e-scooters are travelling and the legality of their usage.
PC Adam Fletcher, from Warwickshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as the weather improves – however the law is clear.
“Warwickshire Police is working with partners including Warwickshire County Council to educate e-scooter riders first.
“However, those who continue to ignore the law will have their e-scooter seized, so please make sure you keep your e-scooter on private land so this doesn’t happen to you.
“Local schools have also had assemblies highlighting the illegal use of e-scooters as a mode of transport to and from school.
“We are also pleased to see that despite a surge in sales last year, nearly all retailers now state on their websites that the use of e-scooters on public land is illegal.”
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