Police seize more than 70 e-scooters and e-bikes

More than 70 e-scooters and e-bikes have been seized in a three-day crackdown in part of a county.

Cambridgeshire Police said all the vehicles were being ridden illegally and there had been increasing concerns and complaints raised by members of the public.

The neighbourhood policing operation took place between 14 and 16 May in Huntingdon, Hartford, Brampton, Yaxley, St Ives, St Neots and surrounding villages.

Police said 68 e-scooters and four e-bikes, some with top speeds exceeding 30mph (48km/h), were being ridden mainly by people under the age of 18 - sometimes with a passenger - and one rider was aged just eight.

Cambridgeshire Police said the law currently permitted the use of e-scooters only as part of government-approved rental trials or on private land with the landowner's permission.

Privately owned e-scooters remained illegal to use on public roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Norden, who led the operation, said: "At every public engagement, e-scooters are highlighted across the district as a concern for residents.

"We have received reports that they are being used in the commission of crimes, they are being ridden dangerously, and we know they are a target for criminals to steal."

He said the illegal use of the vehicles posed risks to both the riders and members of the public.

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