New Mills - E-scooter seized

Whilst out on foot patrol in New Mills today (31.03.2026), PCSO Bardsley from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team witnessed an e-scooter being ridden contravening the highway code by driving  the wrong way on a one-way street in a dangerous manner.

The scooter was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which allows the Police to seize any motor vehicle being used on a road which does not have the required documentation, which includes a driving licence for that class of vehicle. Once seized by the Police it can be disposed of in accordance with force policy.

We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers. However the current  law is clear - you can buy one but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle path or pavement. The only place an e-scooter can be used  is on private land.

Why is this?

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as: MOT, Licensing, Tax and Insurance.

For more information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team or visit: www.derbyshire.police.uk