Police in Derbyshire have confiscated 264 e-scooters since launching a county-wide crackdown in November to tackle illegal riding.
In January alone, officers seized 59 e-scooters, as part of a zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed and unlawful use on public roads, pavements, and cycle paths.
Under the new enforcement strategy, riders are no longer given a warning before their e-scooter is confiscated, marking a strict shift in policy aimed at addressing rising concerns.
Superintendent James Thompson explained that the escalation in enforcement was driven by community complaints, with many residents reporting negative experiences due to reckless e-scooter use.
One alarming incident involved a rider carrying a four-year-old child as a passenger, prompting police to highlight the serious dangers associated with illegal e-scooter use.
Supt Thompson added, “The risks that the illegal use of e-scooters pose to both the public and the rider, especially in incidents with such a young passenger as well, are serious, and we will continue in being proactive to tackle this.”
In a further move to strengthen enforcement, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Derbyshire have been granted new powers to seize e-scooters, allowing them to take action while on routine patrol.
