Police put brakes on illegal e-riders

Police took seven e-scooters and e-bikes out of action in the first 90 minutes of a policing operation aimed at tackling illegal riding in the city centre today.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden and Deputy PCC Angela Kandola went to see the operation in action after receiving numerous letters and emails from members of the public raising concerns about the dangers of the vehicles on public highways and pavements.

The operation was led by Nottinghamshire Police’s city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, and officers including PC Adam Abid (pictured centre) seized two e-scooters, two e-bikes, as well as two e-bike wheels and a battery to make a further three vehicles unusable.

The aim of the operation was also to raise awareness of the law around e-scooters and e-bikes.

The use of e-scooters in public areas is illegal unless they are hired as part of a government-approved scheme.

They are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and so a rider could be prosecuted if they do not have a licence or insurance – meaning a potential fine or six points on their driving licence.

Riding them while under the influence of alcohol can also result in a minimum 12-month driving ban.

Under current laws, e-bikes are legal to use across the country but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5mph.