POLICE have warned e-scooter users to refrain from riding them in public places after officers in Barnsley confirm the amount of vehicles seized doubled in just 12 months.

According to South Yorkshire Police statistics, just two e-scooters were seized in 2022, followed by five in 2023.

However, by 2024, that figure had jumped to ten, according to the Freedom of Information request.

Under the current law, it is illegal to use a privately-owned e-scooter on public land, though some towns and cities operate rental e-scooter schemes.

Because insurance companies do not offer coverage for privately-owned e-scooters, the police can seize the vehicle under the Road Traffic Act as uninsured vehicles are not allowed on UK roads.

The penalty issued for riding an uninsured e-scooter in public could be as high as £300, while penalty points can also be added to the rider’s licence.

Inspector Matt Collings said: “In recent years the popularity of electric scooters and electric bikes has surged.

“As we continue to see an increase in their use on our roads, we have also seen an increase in collisions involving e-scooters and e-bikes.

“We are committed to creating safer roads, but it takes effort from everyone.

“As part of our ongoing work, we continue to educate users and seize illegal vehicles.

“All road users have a responsibility for their own and other road users’ safety, and we urge anyone buying or using an electric scooter or bike to ensure they are legal, properly registered and safe to use.

“Anyone thinking of buying these vehicles as we approach the festive period needs to be aware of the law.

“E-scooters can’t be ridden on roads, pavements or public spaces.

“They are not insured and can be seized and destroyed - this is in the small print when you buy them, but buyers often miss it or unfortunately choose to ignore it.

“While some e-bikes are legal, they must not exceed 250 watts or offer electrical assistance beyond 15.5mph.”

The rise in e-scooter seizures by South Yorkshire Police - a trend mirrored by several forces around the UK - comes as the number of road traffic accidents in the area which involved an e-scooter also rose.

South Yorkshire Police revealed that e-scooters have been involved in 113 road traffic collisions since 2022.

The government responded by calling for greater regulation, saying: “A second national evaluation of the e-scooter trials is currently underway, focusing on user and public safety, accessibility impacts and how e-scooters can be safely and effectively integrated into the wider transport network.

“The government is giving the police stronger powers to stop vehicles being used disruptively, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing illegally-owned private e-scooters.

“This will allow them to deal swiftly with dangerous e-scooters on pavements.”