"This is no different to parents giving their family car keys to their children" - Essex Police cracking down on illegal use of privately-owned e-scooters
The force is warning parents and guardians about the law
Essex Police have seized more than 180 e-scooters in 2026 - as they warn the public about the law surrounding them.
They are continuing to see privately-owned e-scooters used illegally on roads, footpaths, and other public places, with increasing links to anti-social behaviour, crime and serious collisions.
They are warning parents and guardians that young people and children should not be out on privately-owned e-scooters as they are classified as motor vehicles under government laws.
The force says the public is "unaware" that privately-owned e-scooters can't be used in public spaces. They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
Privately-owned e-scooters are treated in law as motor vehicles. To be used legally on public roads they would require insurance, the rider to have a valid driving licence and other legal requirements which privately-owned e-scooters currently cannot meet.
These issues relate only to privately-owned e scooters and does not apply to e scooters operating as part of approved rental trial schemes, which are permitted in designated areas and subject to specific legal requirements.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio News in Essex, Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said:
"This is no different to parents giving their family car keys to their children."
"At the moment I think there is a little misconception because many of the cities and towns we have across Essex are running trial schemes where they're quite widely seen.
"From May onwards we have seen a very high number of illegal e-scooters being involved in road traffic collisions where the injuries have been quite serious.
"Nearly always the e-scooter is at fault.
"We see lots of young people using illegal e-scooters and it's really recognising that parents have a responsibility. As the law stands at the moment, it's no different from having a car.
"We're not talking about collisions where people are just getting a little graze on their shin. We're getting head injuries, quite severe, requiring long term treatment. Very often these are life changing injuries that these individuals are having."
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “As we head into the summer holidays, I am urging people not to ride an e-scooter on the roads or pavements. It is simply dangerous to do so. Everyone must understand the law around the use and ownership of an e-scooter. A privately owned e-scooter is illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, cycle paths, parks and other public places.
“An e-scooter is classed as a motor vehicle and requires a driving licence and insurance. For parents particularly, it is important to pause for a moment to consider what this all means. No child should ever be at the wheel of a car, let alone ride an e-scooter in open traffic.
“All generations must be mindful of how reckless it can be to use an e-scooter in public spaces and the specific risk posed to pedestrians.
“Whilst it might be seen as a fun and convenient way to get around, riding an e-scooter does have implications for road safety that must be taken more seriously. Recent tragic incidents, where an e-scooter has been involved, here in Essex have highlighted the life-changing impact that can be caused. No one wants their summer holiday to end with a knock on the door from the police.
“I support the action being taken by Essex Police – an e-scooter should be seized if it is being used inappropriately. This is about preventing further serious incidents. Think carefully about the consequences before purchasing an e-scooter this summer.”
Essex Police has issued these pieces of advice for what the public needs to know around privately-owned e-scooters:
• Privately-owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or cycle paths.
• They can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.
• Riders may commit a range of road traffic offences.
• E-scooters being used illegally will be seized.
• Parents, grandparents or guardians could also commit offences if they cause or permit illegal use.