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The Telegraph
Electric Scooter Police Warning As Collisions And Crime Increase
Police have warned retailers selling electric scooters to remind customers that vehicles are still illegal in all public spaces. The move comes ahead of an expected rush in sales before Christmas. In an open letter to companies selling battery-powered machines, a senior Scotland Yard official said police would not hesitate to prosecute passengers if they were caught ignoring the law. But the warning comes ahead of a test expected to launch in the spring that will allow the rented scooters to run in London. E-scooters have been very popular as convenient modes of transportation, especially during the lockdown. When specially modified, they can reach speeds of up to 70 mph and there has been a 700 percent increase in collisions in recent months, with one fatality on record. The machines have also been increasingly used in robberies, robberies and muggings, with the most recent figures showing 300 scooter-related crimes in the past three months. In the open letter, Commander Kyle Gordon said that all responsible companies that sell the scooters have a duty to remind customers of the law regarding their use. He wrote: “As a retailer, many of you will have seen an increase in sales of electric scooters in the last few months, during closings and now in the lead up to Christmas.” The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), together with Transport for London (TfL), understand that many customers who buy electric scooters may not be aware that they are illegal on public places and roads in London and the UK as a whole. “We urge you to ensure that there is accurate information, highlighted both in store and online, so that customers know that private e-scooters are illegal on public roads, sidewalks and other public places.” The MPS is committed to e-scooter users and, where necessary, to enforce legislation, which may include criminal prosecution; points on the e-cyclist’s driver’s license, fines for being uninsured, and confiscation of the scooter. “Despite the warning, legislation was amended in the summer that will allow for e-scooter rental. Transport for London (TfL) has launched recently an offer for companies to come forward to operate a trial rental of electric scooters in London in the spring of 2021.
