Officers from the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team have seized two e-scooters as part of an operation targeting the misuse of these motorised vehicles. Both riders were reported for lacking the necessary insurance, and one was additionally cited for riding without a licence.

PC Jack Pickering, who is leading the operation, stated: “E-scooter use is a constant problem in the town centre, and with the holiday season upon us, it is likely to increase.”

Local officers are also engaging with retailers to ensure they inform purchasers that e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Despite their low speeds, the enforcement of these regulations has been criticized as heavy-handed by some, given the stringent UK laws surrounding e-scooter use.

To ride an e-scooter legally in the UK, rental e-scooters that are part of government-approved trials. To do so, you must be at least 18 years old and hold at least a provisional driving licence. These rental e-scooters can only be used in designated trial areas and typically have a maximum speed limit of 15.5 mph. Additionally, all road traffic laws apply, including those related to drink driving and using mobile phones. While insurance is provided for rental e-scooters, it is not available for privately-owned ones. Wearing a helmet and other safety gear is strongly recommended to ensure your safety.

Here are some of the key locations:

London (including boroughs like Camden, City of London, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, and Westminster)¹
Manchester
Liverpool
Bristol
Bath
Milton Keynes
Cambridge
Newcastle
Birmingham
York

PC Jack Pickering who is leading the operation said: “E-scooter use is a constant problem in the town centre and now the holiday season is upon us, it is likely to increase.

“To this end we will be carrying out regular patrols in the town, targeting those who use e-scooters in this area.

“These vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, however it is illegal to ride them on public land anywhere in Hertfordshire. The only place you can legally ride an e-scooter in Stevenage, is on private land and only with the landowner’s permission.

“If you are caught riding an e-scooter on a public highway, park, pavement or cycle lane, it could be seized, and you will be reported for driving offences which could lead to significant penalty points (if you currently hold a driving licence) and a fine.

“If you are a parent letting your child ride an e-scooter in public, you will be the one found responsible and this could affect your own driving licence.”

Local officers are also talking to retailers that sell these machines, to advise them to remind any purchasers that they can only use an e-scooter on private land and only with permission from the landowner.