E-SCOOTER riders have been warned that they face having their machines seized under new plans to clamp down on antisocial usage.

E-scooters cannot be ridden on roads or pavements due to them being uninsured, or in public spaces such as parks, and can only be used on private land where the rider has consent.

They fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1998, meaning that they must abide by the same rules as a car or motorbike.

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.

According to South Yorkshire Police, more than 200 have been seized since January 2024.

A report said: “The issues associated with these vehicles is more

often that of antisocial behaviour and the nuisance caused by them

in pedestrianised areas.

“There are occasionally some crime trends of groups of youths attending into the city and town centres to commit thefts, travelling on these to commit thefts.

“Our focus has been consistent in educating the wider public around the legal requirements when riding these vehicles and utilising enforcement powers to reinforce that message, proactively communicating that to achieve a deterrent effect.”