Hundreds of e-scooters and bikes seized amid calls for new law to crack down on reckless riders

The operation highlights growing concerns over the misuse of the increasingly popular modes of transport.

Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride in public spaces, including roads as well as on public transport.

Users risk hefty fines, driving licence points, and vehicle seizure if caught illegally using the green transport. Riders of e-scooters can be slapped with a £300 fine and six penalty points for having no insurance.

The seizure of e-scooters and e-bikes comes amidst rising public complaints about their misuse.

Riders have been reported driving carelessly and at excessive speeds, posing significant risks to themselves, pedestrians, and other road users which prompted the police to intervene.

Community Policing Command Inspector Mike Darrah said: "Dangerous, illegal, and inappropriate use of both e-scooters and e-bikes poses serious risks in the community and is something the public continues to rightly raise to us as a concern."

He added: "These stats highlight the progress we are making in dealing with this issue but as the incidents of the past couple of weeks in different areas of the force show, there is still a lot more work to do.

"Through both seizing vehicles that are being used illegally and continuing to educate people on the laws, preventing offences, our communities will be safer."

The crackdown on e-scooters and e-bikes is part of a broader effort to improve public safety.

Thames Valley Police have been actively responding to community concerns about the misuse of these vehicles.

Although these vehicles offer convenient and eco-friendly transport options, their misuse poses significant safety risks.

The latest Motorcycle Industry Association manifesto called on the Government to modernise regulations to allow for new types of zero emission transport to hit the road.

As part of this, the manifesto urged the Government to support regulatory reform to improve consumer choice, facilitate market access, and support innovation.

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Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said: "Despite the new Government, I remain unconvinced that its initial policies will boost consumer confidence.

"While we acknowledge the significant challenges the Government faces, we call on the Transport, Business, and Treasury ministerial teams to prioritise creating a stable market environment. Industry urgently requires considered policies that provide security and confidence."