Police have seized two electric scooters being ridden in public spaces around Trowbridge.
The machines are currently illegal to ride in public and must only be used on private land, meaning riders commit road traffic offences if they are caught using them on pavements or roads.
The riders of the two electric scooters will now have to pay to reclaim their property and face fines and penalty points on their driving licence.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “It’s unfortunate that the owners of these vehicles have not made themselves aware of the current legislation and the riders will now be dealt with for the offences found.
“Neighbourhood Policing team ask that you make yourself aware of the limitations of their use. Currently they can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the land owner.
Whilst the legislation is clear, there is a risk to both the riders and public, if scooters are being ridden on pavements and roads etc. these scooter can travel at approximately 20 miles per hour.
“National press have reported widely on injuries and fatalities involving the riders and pedestrians.
“To summarize mechanically propelled scooters are illegal on UK roads due to the 1988 Road Traffic Act, while the 1835 Highway Act has also been interpreted as banning them from being ridden on pavements.”
