An e-scooter was seized by police officers in Stevenage earlier today (Thursday, January 25).

PC Jack Pickering was out on patrol in the town centre this morning when he spotted the owner of the e-scooter riding through the pedestrianised areas.

A police spokesperson said that the rider "wasn't interested" in stopping for them, but that they "were able to quickly track him down".

As well as seizing the e-scooter, police reported the rider for failing to stop, and for riding a motorised vehicle without a licence or insurance.

It is illegal to ride an e-scooter in public areas. They can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission, or in official rental schemes such as those in London. No official schemes currently exist in Hertfordshire.

The police spokesperson said: "Many parents may be unaware of the legislation and are buying these scooters for their children thinking they are harmless fun.

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"However, these vehicles can be very dangerous and many people across the country have been injured as a result of collisions involving e-scooters.

"If you are caught riding one on a public highway, pavement or cycle lane it could be seized by the police and you could also be reported for driving offences, which would lead to significant penalty points and a fine.

"If you are a parent letting your child ride these in public, you will be the one found responsible and in turn this could affect your own driving licence."