National Day of Action targets illegal and unsafe use of e-scooters and e-bikes

Officers from Carmarthenshire Roads Policing Team and the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams joined forces as part of a National Day of Action aimed at improving road and pavement safety, tackling illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, and raising public awareness of the laws surrounding their use.

The operation – which took place on 6^th June – focused on educating road users, engaging with local communities, and enforcing legislation where offences were identified. Officers conducted proactive patrols in areas where concerns had been raised regarding the use of electrically powered scooters and bikes.

The day of action highlighted ongoing concerns around the safety risks associated with some e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly when used irresponsibly, modified to exceed legal limits, or ridden in public places where they are not permitted. Officers also sought to address widespread confusion around the legality of privately owned e-scooters, which generally cannot be used on public roads, pavements or cycle paths.

As a result of the operation, officers achieved a number of positive outcomes, including:

·       22 traffic offence reports issued

·       10 e-bikes and e-scooters seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act

·       Five stop searches completed

·       Two cloned vehicles dealt with

·       Two arrests made for drug drive offences

·       Two Adult Community Resolutions (ACR’s) issued for driving offences

Sergeant Ashley Crocker from the Roads Policing Team said: “This day of action was not only about enforcement but also education. We continue to encounter a significant level of misunderstanding regarding the laws governing e-scooters and e-bikes. While these vehicles can offer a convenient form of transport, they must be used responsibly and within the law. Our priority is keeping all road users safe and preventing serious injury.

“We know that concerns about e-scooters and e-bikes are regularly raised by our communities, particularly around anti-social riding and pavement use. By working together on this day of action, we have been able to address those concerns while also helping people better understand the legislation.”

Police are reminding the public that privately owned e-scooters cannot normally be ridden on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes. Riders who do so may be liable for offences including driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance and other road traffic offences. E-bikes must also comply with legal requirements relating to motor power and speed restrictions to be treated as bicycles under the law.

Anyone concerned about the use of e-scooters or e-bikes in their community is encouraged to report incidents to police.