Police in Derbyshire have announced a new “seize on sight” approach for e-scooters.
This follows a rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal incidents linked to their use.
Effective immediately, any privately owned scooter spotted in public will be confiscated. This is part of a crackdown aimed at curbing unlawful usage and improving public safety.
The move comes in response to concerning statistics. Over the past two years, police received 509 reports of anti-social behaviour involving e-scooters.
The force says it has documented 441 instances of dangerous riding. Additionally, 1,122 suspects in various crimes were reported to have used e-scooters.
Meanwhile, 477 e-scooters were stolen.
What is the law on e-scooters in Derby?
The law classifies e-scooters as motor vehicles. This makes it illegal to ride them on public roads without a license, registration and insurance.
Private owners cannot legally obtain these meaning any use in public is illegal.
Derby previously allowed a government-backed rental scheme. However, this ceased earlier this year, rendering all these bikes in the county illegal for public use.
Police initially issued warnings to first-time offenders due to confusion around the trial. But their hands have been forced and the policy has shifted to immediate seizure.
Superintendent James Thompson emphasized the necessity of the tougher approach.
“The law is very clear when it comes to private e-scooters – they are illegal to ride in public.
“Since the trial scheme stopped earlier this year, that confusion has now ended, and if you are riding an e-scooter in public, you are committing an offence.”
Criminals using e-scooters to commit crime in Derby
Police are concerned about the role of scooters in crimes, with recent statistics showing their involvement in a range of offences and frequent thefts.
Supt Thompson pointed to the risks posed by modified vehicles, noting 126 collisions in Derbyshire in the last two years, some resulting in serious injuries.
A recent fatal collision in Nottinghamshire further underscored the dangers, when a 71-year-old woman died after being struck by a scooter.
Police issue new policy on motorised scooters
The new enforcement policy is intended to address public concerns and deter potential offenders.
Officers will now seize e-scooters immediately upon spotting them in use, with additional legal consequences for those riding recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Offenders could face points on their license, driving bans, fines, or even imprisonment.
“There is still discretion, however,” added Supt Thompson.
“Officers will take a pragmatic view when it comes to children playing in the streets and ensure they, along with their parents or guardians, are educated about the law.
“But for adults, if you continue to ride an e-scooter, you are breaking the law and can expect to have it seized.”
The crackdown marks Derbyshire Police’s latest effort to address rising complaints from residents and curb the unlawful use of e-scooters, which have become a focal point of local safety concerns.
The rationale behind scooters being dangerous in Derby
Scooters in Derby are gaining popularity as a quick and convenient mode of transport, but they bring with them a range of safety concerns. One of the key dangers is that many e-scooter riders are not familiar with road safety or the local laws regarding their use. Riders often fail to adhere to traffic rules and ride recklessly, especially in busy areas like the city centre. This creates hazardous conditions for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Another issue is the increasing number of scooters on pavements. Riders often prefer to travel on pedestrian walkways, which puts pedestrians at risk of collisions. The lack of designated lanes for e-scooters in many parts of Derby further exacerbates this risk. As a result, pedestrians—especially the elderly and those with mobility issues—are more likely to encounter dangerous situations. Moreover, scooter riders frequently do not wear protective gear, such as helmets, which could reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.
Additionally, the lack of regulation and enforcement of scooter laws is a growing concern in Derby. Many riders ignore speed limits and fail to ensure their scooters are roadworthy. This leads to accidents that could easily be avoided with proper safety measures and better enforcement.
The unpredictable nature of scooter riders—who may suddenly change lanes or swerve—also increases the danger for all road users. With limited infrastructure and insufficient awareness campaigns on the rules of e-scooter use, Derby faces challenges in managing these risks. Until better regulations are in place, it’s crucial that riders take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others by following the law, wearing helmets, and avoiding hazardous areas.
