21 illegal e-scooters seized by Greater Manchester Police in less than three months

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) seized 21 electric scooters in less than three months in the lead-up to Christmas as part of a crackdown on their illegal use on roads, pavements, cycle lanes and other public places.

Despite the increased popularity in the use of e-scooters, GMP officers are reminding people that current laws only allow for them to be ridden on private land with the owner’s permission. E-scooters used in public places can be seized by police, and riders may be prosecuted for operating a vehicle without insurance.

There is currently a trial ongoing in Salford in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the University of Salford for the use of e-scooters. This allows for the legal use of Lime e-scooters in the designated trial area only.

Inspector Steve Bryant from GMP’s Safer Transport Team said: “We are aware that not all sellers make the regulations clear at the point of sale; therefore we will continue to raise awareness so that hard-working people do not waste their money on something they cannot currently use.

“To ensure everyone is kept safe on our roads, our officers will be seizing e-scooters used illegally.”