AN E-SCOOTER has been seized in one Herefordshire town after "numerous reports" of antisocial behaviour.

The electric scooter was seized by officers out on foot patrol in Leominster after they spotted a young man riding it around the pedestrian area of Drapers Lane. 

The rider did not have a current licence or relevant insurance for the scooter, and so it was seized under police powers, said police constable Camilla Linton.

ALSO READ:

PC Linton said officers have received "numerous reports" of electric scooters being involved in antisocial behaviour in recent weeks. 

What is the law on e-scooters?

West Mercia Police previously said e-scooters are growing in popularity as a form of transport, and they come under the category of "powered transport".

But powered transport falls within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and as such the same rules apply to them that would apply to cars and motorbikes, PCSO Toby Stephenson from Bromyard's Safer Neighbourhood Team said last year.

PCSO Stephenson said e-scooters must have insurance and tax, and the rider must have a valid licence.

But they don't meet the safety regulations required of a motor vehicle so they actually cannot be insured or taxed.

He said: "As a result of this they cannot be ridden on the roads, pavements or other public places."

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

Anyone who uses an e-scooter in those places could face prosecution, which can result in a £300 fine and six points on your driving licence, even if the rider doesn't have one yet.

Further fines could also be imposed for riding without a licence, riding on the pavement or off-road.

The police can also seize and destroy the e-scooter if it is ridden without a licence or insurance, or carelessly in a manner likely to cause alarm, distress or annoy other people, even if this is off-road.