Main content
Essex Police has launched a campaign aimed at owners and riders of privately-owned e-scooters used in public areas.
All schools in Epping Forest District, and across the county have received a letter warning of the rules around using e-scooters.
Safety on the roads
The aim is to keep everyone safe on roads and footpaths by educating owners and riders of privately-owned e-scooters about the current legislation and, where necessary, take enforcement action especially where there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, other riding offences or wider criminality.
The rider of a privately-owned e-scooter being used in a public area is required to hold a driving licence and insurance, but many people are not aware of this.
By educating riders and encouraging them not to use privately-owned e-scooters in a public area Essex Police hopes that the number of e-scooters being used illegally, and any perceived anti-social behaviour, will be reduced.
Raising awareness
Superintendent Sam Smith, who is leading this initiative, said:
We have written to schools and asked them to raise awareness with parents about the laws surrounding private e-scooters. Private e-scooters are permitted in law only to be used on private land, and are illegal if used on public land and we need to raise awareness of this legislation for everyone’s safety.
We’re not trying to target young people, but we need them to know that there are aspects to riding an e-scooter that could put them, or the wider public, at risk if the e-scooter is being ridden in a dangerous manner.
Enforcement action
Superintendent Sam Smith continued:
Privately owned e-scooters cannot be insured as they are not roadworthy and, therefore, they present a danger to the rider and the rest of the public.
We are aware that e-scooters are also used by adults who use them as a means of leisure and transport, but we will stop and speak to them too. We want to keep people safe and continue to deal with reports of e-scooters being involved in crime.
Where there is persistent use of privately-owned e-scooters, or evidence of other offences, we will take appropriate enforcement action. This includes e-scooter seizure and riders being reported for driving offences.
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.