Dozens of illegal e-scooters seized by police

Essex Police have seized scores of e-scooters and e-bikes of the streets since March

Almost 60 e-bikes and e-scooters that were being driven illegally have been seized by police as part of a crackdown.

Essex Police said it had confiscated 58 illegally ridden vehicles since March in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

Currently, it is only legal to ride an e-scooter on private land or in a city that is part of a government-regulated scheme.

Insp Steve Wells, from Essex Police, said: "Anyone walking in a pedestrianised area shouldn't have to be on high alert that someone might be hurtling towards them on an e-bike or e-scooter."

Officers warned riders that ignorance of the law was no excuse if caught.

At the moment, it is only legal to use an e-scooter on private land or in one of the cities that are part of a government-regulated scheme

Electrically assisted pedal cycles are legal to ride providing they cannot travel beyond 15.5mph.

Officers said, however, they had seen e-bikes travelling at speeds that exceeded the limit, as well as pedal bikes that have been converted to have throttles akin to a motorbike.

The centre of Southend-on-Sea has is covered by a Public Space Protection Order, which prohibits any form of cycling or e-scooter use.

The order does not apply to police officers on duty.

Insp Wells said: "The irresponsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes is an issue we've been tackling for some time.

"The public don't like them, they're dangerous and in the wrong hands can cause serious injuries."