Fears e-scooters could become legal after Police officers destroy 7,000

Derbyshire Police has seized almost 100 e-scooters and a number of e-bikes in its first month of a new crackdown. Image by Derbyshire Police.

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

Derbyshire Police has removed more than 700 e-scooters off the streets – but there are fears the force will have to back down if they become legal.

Officers across the county have seized vehicles for almost 18 months to tackle their illegal use, following widespread concerns over public safety.

Derbyshire police’s actions have been described as “leading the way nationally in its tough, no-nonsense response to the issue”.

Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or pedestrian areas remains illegal under current UK law.

However, many e-scooter riders roam the streets despite it being illegal to do so.

This has led to widespread concerns by residents about illegal and dangerous use of the vehicles – with the safety of pedestrians, drivers and riders themselves at risk.

Several years ago it was reported a girl, aged six at the time, broke her leg after being hit by an e-scooter in Derby while walking home from school.

In December it was reported a 13-year-old boy was taken to Royal Derby Hospital after he was involved in a collision while riding an e-scooter.

Rental e-scooters are allowed on public roads if used as part of a council trial scheme such as in Nottingham. A trial was held in Derby but was halted after the operator withdrew from the market.

But the Department for Transport (DfT) says the Government is “committed to pursuing legislative reform” for micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters.

It says legislation will create “safe, legal routes for people to use e-scooters, and allow to focus enforcement on anyone breaking those new laws”.

A DfT spokesperson said: “E-scooters must be safe for everyone on the road, which is why we have committed to pursuing legislation to regulate them as soon as possible.”

But it is feared Derbyshire police will have to “take its foot off the pedal” in seizing vehicles – should the Government legalise them.

Anti-e-scooter campaigner Sarah Gayton from the National Federation of the Blind fears there could be more danger on the streets if the law is changed.

She said: “I think Derbyshire police is doing a fantastic job. They should keep going and not take their feet off the pedal. 

“But what is extremely worrying is there are indications from the Government to try and legalise these scooters. 

“If that becomes the case – then the police are going to have their hands tied because anybody will be able to get hold of them and any new rules may prove difficult to enforce.

“People use them as toys but they are death traps. We have to fight as much as possible to stop them getting legalised.”

Once seized by police, the e-scooters are crushed with different components recycled.

Derbyshire police says it is working and acting on current legislation which states their illegal use on public roads.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: “Legislation is a matter for the government, and the law is clear about the current illegality of using these vehicles in public places.

“Once a change in legislation takes effect then we will implement that change. Until such a time as the law changes then the current enforcement will continue.”