Police warn electric scooters could be seized in crackdown

Gloucestershire Constabulary has warned that officers will seize electric powered vehicles being used illegally on pavements and cycle paths.

It comes after a growing number have been spotted being used around Gloucester with many users unaware that they are committing offences, including young children.

Under current legislation, powered transporters – which includes electric scooters, e-hover boards, electric powered unicycle wheels and e-Segways – cannot be driven on public pathways.

Although many are available to buy from high street stores, they cannot be ridden freely on the country’s streets.

They can only be used on private land with permission of the land owner. They must also be registered to be used on the road.

Adults using e-scooters on the street are committing the same offence of using a motor vehicle with no insurance, and risk a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on a driving licence.

Parents also face prosecution if their children are caught using the vehicles illegally.

Chief Inspector Al Barby said: “While these may seem like fun and environmentally-friendly ways of getting around, these vehicles can be dangerous to other road users as well as to the riders themselves.

“Any vehicle using the roads must be legally registered. Anyone caught using them on pavements or cycle paths face the possibility of it being seized, having points on their licence and being fined.”

Full guidance is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters/information-sheet-guidance-on-powered-transporters.