Recycling e-scooters after illegal use

More than 650 e-scooters have been seized in Derbyshire since we began a new approach in November 2024.

Officers and PCSOs now seize on first offence, when an e-scooter has been illegally used on public roads or pavements.

The seized e-scooters are then taken to a recycling plant and broken down into different components to be recycled.

Special care is also taken due to the fire risk associated with the batteries – some of which have been altered after purchase making them more dangerous.

Inspector Lee Welsby said: “Officers across Derbyshire have continued to be proactive in stopping and seizing illegally used e-scooters. We have been resolute in tackling this issue, which is often raised as a concern by our communities, and in getting this message out to try and avoid people buying these vehicles without realising that they can only be used on private land.”

Mercia SNT will be conducting patrols throughout Mercia over the weekend, and taking action to deal with individuals observed riding e-scooters illegally.