AHEAD of the school summer holidays, we’re warning riders, parents, grandparents and guardians about the law surrounding privately-owned e-scooters and the increasing risks in using them.

We’re continuing to see privately-owned e-scooters used illegally on roads, pavements and other public places, with increasing links to anti-social behaviour, crime and serious collisions.

To-date in 2026, we have has seized more than 180 e-scooters. In 2025, officers seized 370. These seizures form part of ongoing enforcement activity aimed at keeping Essex’s roads and communities safe.

While e-scooters have become increasingly popular, many people remain unaware that privately-owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle paths or in other public spaces.

They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Privately-owned e-scooters are treated in law as motor vehicles. To be used legally on public roads they would require insurance, the rider to have a valid driving licence and other legal requirements which privately-owned e-scooters currently cannot meet.

These issues relate only to privately-owned e scooters and does not apply to e scooters operating as part of approved rental trial schemes, which are permitted in designated areas and subject to specific legal requirements.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing at Essex Police, said: “We are seeing increasing numbers of collisions involving e-scooters which have resulted in serious injuries. There is also growing number of incidents where they are being used to facilitate anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

“Many people are simply unaware that a privately-owned e-scooter is not legal for use on public roads, pavements or cycle paths and, unfortunately, that misunderstanding can have serious consequences.

“The reality is that these vehicles offer very little protection to riders, can be difficult for other road users to see and are increasingly featuring in incidents where people are seriously injured.

“Our officers will continue to take enforcement action where offences are identified and, where appropriate, we will seize illegally-used e-scooters to help keep people safe.”

Under road traffic legislation, a person can commit a “cause or permit” offence if they help bring about an offence or knowingly allow it to happen. Put simply, this could include allowing a child or young person to ride a privately-owned e-scooter illegally in a public place.

Mr Pipe added: “Parents, grandparents and guardians should take time to understand the law before buying an e-scooter or allowing a child in their care to use it.

“If you provide a privately-owned e-scooter and knowingly allow it to be used illegally, you may also be committing an offence.

“This is not about preventing people from enjoying new technology; it’s about keeping people safe and ensuring everyone understands the responsibilities that come with using these vehicles.

“Before purchasing an e-scooter, I would encourage everyone to check the law, understand where it can and cannot be used, and consider the potentially devastating consequences that can arise when things go wrong.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “As we head into the summer holidays, I am urging people not to ride an e-scooter on the roads or pavements. It is simply dangerous to do so. Everyone must understand the law around the use and ownership of an e-scooter. A privately owned e-scooter is illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, cycle paths, parks and other public places.

“An e-scooter is classed as a motor vehicle and requires a driving licence and insurance. For parents particularly, it is important to pause for a moment to consider what this all means. No child should ever be at the wheel of a car, let alone ride an e-scooter in open traffic.

“All generations must be mindful of how reckless it can be to use an e-scooter in public spaces and the specific risk posed to pedestrians.

“Whilst it might be seen as a fun and convenient way to get around, riding an e-scooter does have implications for road safety that must be taken more seriously. Recent tragic incidents, where an e-scooter has been involved, here in Essex have highlighted the life-changing impact that can be caused. No one wants their summer holiday to end with a knock on the door from the police.

“I support the action being taken by Essex Police – an e-scooter should be seized if it is being used inappropriately. This is about preventing further serious incidents. Think carefully about the consequences before purchasing an e-scooter this summer.”

What you need to know

• Privately-owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or cycle paths.

• They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

• Riders may commit a range of road traffic offences.

• E-scooters being used illegally will be seized.

• Parents, grandparents or guardians could also commit offences if they cause or permit illegal use.

The post E-scooter safety: The offence parents may not know they could commit appeared first on Your Harlow.

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