E-scooters and bikes seized by police during clampdown

Police officers seized multiple e-scooters and bikes as part of a clampdown on illegal vehicles.

Responding to local concerns, officers targeted the Trinity Square and Lace Market areas of Nottingham City Centre – both key areas of concern.

Over the course three hours on Monday (23 December), they spoke to 13 riders to educate them about the law, and seized six e-scooters and four e-bikes for being illegal.

Officers also seized two motors and a battery from three e-bikes.

One delivery driver in Trinity Square, for example, was found to be in possession of an illegally altered and potentially dangerous electric bicycle.

After consultation with officers, the rear wheel – which contains the electric motor – was seized.

Under current laws private e-scooters cannot be ridden on public highways or in public spaces.

Electric bicycles, meanwhile, are legal to use across the country but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5mph.

Nottinghamshire Police has seized over 250 e-scooters in the past three years and – in response to public concern – is further clamping down on the problem.

PC Adam Abid, of the Nottingham City Centre neighbourhood team, explained:

“These devices may be a convenient way for people to get around, but they can also pose a significant risk to other road users, pedestrians and to the riders themselves.

“Recently we have received a significant number of reports of people having to take evasive action and jump out of the way of these devices as they have been speeding through pedestrianised areas. That is clearly not acceptable and not something we as the police can ignore.

“Another thing we and our colleagues at the fire and rescue service cannot ignore is the potential danger posed by illegally modified devices when they are stored or charged inside – something I would urge parents to consider when they consider gifts for their children.

“This is the first operation of this kind and yielded some very promising results.

"One of the real positives was the number of people who came up to us to ask us about the law.

"It is something we plan to repeat on a regular basis during the course of 2025 and beyond.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden welcomed the day of action. He said:

“It’s great to see our neighbourhood policing teams supporting local people by taking action on issues that really matter to them.

“My office receives numerous pieces of correspondence each month from people who are frustrated at the dangerous and illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes on our streets.

“This operation shows the benefit of the new model of neighbourhood policing, which ensures teams are in the right place at the right time to tackle priority issues, working side by side with the community to provide reassurance that their concerns are being acted upon.”

For more advice on e-scooter use visit: Advice on e-scooter usage | Nottinghamshire Police