Almost 100 e-scooters and illegal e-bikes seized

Almost 100 e-scooters and illegal e-bikes have been seized in the first month of a county crackdown.

Since the start of November, police in Derbyshire began to seize e-scooters immediately off the streets if they were seen by officers in public places.

Derbyshire Police said during an operation in the city on 29 November, 39 e-scooters and e-bikes were seized in one day.

Using e-scooters on public roads is illegal unless they are hired as part of a government-approved scheme.

In the last two years, the force said it had received 509 calls relating to anti-social behaviour involving e-scooters, and 441 reports of them being ridden dangerously.

As part of a new approach, police have moved to a "seize first" position with e-scooters, with no requirement for officers to issue an initial warning at the time of a first offence.

Officers have been working with various partners, including CCTV operators from Derby City Council, to intercept illegal riders.

During the operation on 29 November, e-bikes were tested by officers to check if they met legal requirements to be used on public roads, and if not, the e-bike was seized.

One e-bike had been rigged with a motor that could propel it to speeds of 50mph and had no brakes, the force said.

Sgt Jamie Millard said: "We know e-bikes and e-scooters are a real concern for local people, who report having to jump out of the way of riders going along pavements at high speed.

"E-scooters can only be used on private land, and e-bikes have to meet certain requirements. Some of the vehicles we seized were a danger to both the rider and those around them, as they were rigged to go at high speeds, which also carries a fire risk too."

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