Greater Manchester Police seized 38 illegally used e-scooters during a national day of action on Saturday 6 June, aimed at tackling unsafe and anti-social riding.
The operation, supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), saw officers targeting riders using e-scooters unlawfully on roads and pavements.
E-scooters have become increasingly common across the UK, but their use remains widely misunderstood. Under UK law, privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads and pavements.
Rental e-scooters can be used legally, but only within authorised schemes and under strict conditions. There is currently one approved scheme operating in Greater Manchester.
Classed as a motor vehicle, e-scooters require insurance, tax, and a valid licence when used on the road – requirements that privately owned scooters do not meet.
Our operation was focused on two elements: education and enforcement.
We want to speak to the public and educate them on the law, let them know that these vehicles are not allowed on our roads and we will take action when we see them being used.
Inspector Shah, from our Roads Policing Unit, said: “Illegal e-scooter use poses a real risk to both riders and the public.
“Many of those we encounter are uninsured and unaware they are breaking the law.
“These operations are about reducing harm and keeping our communities safe and educating members of the public.
“We are urging the public to only use authorised rental schemes from the council and to avoid riding privately owned e-scooters on public roads or pavements.”
