Police have issued a fresh warning to electrical scooter riders and owners that their e-scooters might be seized in the event that they journey them in public.
Sussex Police stated: “E-scooter riders and owners are being reminded that their automobiles might be seized if they’re seen using in a public place in Sussex.
“Sussex Police are issuing this warning to those that might have obtained an electrical scooter as a Christmas present to guarantee owners are conscious of the legislation about utilizing them.
“It follows the convictions of two electrical scooter riders in current weeks – and these contemplating utilizing them are being suggested to be sure they keep throughout the legislation.
“E-scooters are classed as a powered car, which suggests they’re topic to the identical legal guidelines as motor automobiles, however these days it isn’t potential to register, insure or tax the automobiles to be used on the street.
“Sussex Police’s renewed recommendation follows growing public concern about street security, with frequent stories of e-scooters using on pavements and crime stories linked to e-scooters.
“Earlier this month, 31-year-old Carl Bond was convicted after he was seen appearing suspiciously whereas using an e-scooter by police in Seaside Road, Eastbourne, on Monday 6 September.
“He was arrested on suspicion of possession of hashish, utilizing a motorized vehicle with out insurance coverage, driving in any other case than in accordance with a licence and driving whereas disqualified.
“On Wednesday 15 December he appeared earlier than Brighton Magistrates’ Court the place he was sentenced for all 4 costs.
“The courtroom informed Bond, of Saxby Close, Eastbourne, his e-scooter has been seized and ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation exercise requirement periods.
“He should additionally pay an £85 fantastic and was disqualified from driving for an extra six months.
“Meanwhile, Sussex Police also reported how George Vakis, 19, of Thakeham Close, Bexhill, was sentenced to one year of detention in a young offender institution after he admitted wounding an officer while riding an e-scooter.”
Chief Inspector Michael Hodder stated: “These instances are a reminder that owners of e-scooters can face being arrested by our officers if they’re seen using in public locations.
“E-scooters have gotten extra broadly out there to buy and, though it’s unlawful to journey a privately bought e-scooter in public, they aren’t unlawful to buy.
“Many individuals might have purchased one as a present for Christmas.
“Riders are topic to the identical legal guidelines a motorist would wish to drive lawfully on the street, together with the requirement to have a sound licence, insurance coverage, registration plates and car licensing – and to have the proper registration.
“E-scooters are illegal because there are currently no legal ways to register, insure or tax them.”
Sussex Police added: “Officers have the ability to seize automobiles underneath part 165 of the Road Traffic Act.
“Across the nation there are ‘Future Transport’ trials going down, with the purpose of gaining additional perception into the environmental, well being and security advantages of these kind of automobiles.
“Currently there are no areas in Sussex taking part in these trials and e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads.”
Chief Inspector Hodder added: “Please make sure you keep and use your e-scooter on private land only, with the owner’s permission, to ensure this does not happen to you.”