Police crackdown on illegal use of e-scooters

The bottom half of a male rider on an adult electric scooter.  He is wearing shorts and flip flops.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Privately owned e-scooters cannot be insured and so it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces

  • Published

People riding electric scooters illegally in and around Lincoln city centre are the focus of a police crackdown.

Lincolnshire Police said it had received more reports from people concerned about private e-scooter riders breaking the law.

The use of e-scooters in public areas is illegal unless used through an authorised rental scheme.

The force said it was important that people, particularly parents and carers, understood the regulations.

A police spokesperson said people could find themselves at risk of being reported for driving offences and being charged even if a child was caught using it.

They added: "And for the young person, there is a risk that they could end up with points on a ghost licence, which is another word for a licence they don't yet hold."

As part of the clampdown, police outlined other offences that could lead to a fine if the person riding the e-scooter was caught.

These include riding on the pavement, ignoring red lights and riding while using a mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol.

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