Uninsured private electric scooter seized by police in Northampton

“It is important to remember that although the Government has introduced some exemptions, the legislation hasn’t changed…”
By Megan Hillery
Published 17th Dec 2020, 15:41 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2020, 15:44 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

An electric scooter was seized by police on Spencer Bridge Road in Northampton on Friday December 11.

This happened at around 8.20pm when a 29-year-old man was seen riding a private electric scooter. The rider did not have any insurance to ride the scooter on public roads so officers stopped and advised him that what he was doing was illegal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The rider then told officers that he will continue to ride away on the scooter, which led to officers seizing it.

The electric scooter was confiscated because the rider did not have any insurance to ride it on public roads.The electric scooter was confiscated because the rider did not have any insurance to ride it on public roads.
The electric scooter was confiscated because the rider did not have any insurance to ride it on public roads.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “It is important to remember that, although the Government has introduced some exemptions, the legislation hasn’t changed and an electric scooter is still classified as a motor vehicle and, as such, the rider is subject to the same requirements as driving a car and having a driving licence and insurance.

“Hired scooters are permitted on the roads, whereas privately-owned scooters are not, however it is still illegal for all electric scooters to be ridden on pavements, in parks or in other public areas.

“Until the law is changed, individuals could face a fine and penalty points on their licence or even the loss of their licence, and the scooter could be impounded if being used in a public place.

“Likewise, if anyone is caught riding an electric scooter dangerously or while under the influence of drink or drugs then you could be convicted of offences which might lead to a prison sentence.”