Police seize 14 electric scooters and bikes in one day from Weston Town Centre

The Weston-Super-Mare Town Centre Neighbourhood Team has been conducting patrols in response to ongoing concerns around the use of electric scooters and electric bikes within the town centre.

Police have received numerous reports of these vehicles being ridden dangerously on roads and in pedestrianised areas, with pedestrians having to take evasive action to avoid being struck.

Electric scooters and certain electric bikes are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. To be used legally on the highway or in any public place, they must be DVLA registered, and the rider must hold a valid driving licence and appropriate insurance.

Yesterday 14 electric bikes and scooters were seized during the operation across Weston-super-Mare town centre.

Police said that all seized electric scooters and adapted bikes will be destroyed, and consideration will be given to prosecuting the riders for relevant offences, including no driving licence and no insurance.

PC Sam Draper said

“Road safety is important and part of ensuring that Weston-Super-Mare Town Centre remains a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Saying that you were unaware these vehicles are illegal is not an excuse.

This has been well documented, and we have previously carried out operations where education was the primary focus.

Today’s activity was focused on enforcement and seizure, and regular days of action like this will continue.

This evening we also dealt with a report of two youths deliberately riding at pedestrians on the High Street. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Our Roads Policing Unit has received specialist training to prevent and deal with incidents of this nature, including pre‑emptive tactics and, where necessary, tactical contact.

There is a recognised link between the use of these vehicles and wider criminality, and enforcement activity often leads us to identify and deal with additional offences.”