Off Road, Off Limits: E-scooters & E-Bikes

Bedfordshire Police is taking firm action against the illegal use of e-scooters and other e-vehicles in public places.

Offenders risk prosecution, fines, driving disqualification, or imprisonment, and vehicles may be seized and destroyed if ownership or insurance cannot be proven.

What you need to know:

E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular gifts, especially for young people, but it’s vital to be aware of the legal risks before buying one.

•    Privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes cannot be insured, taxed, or put through an MOT, making their use in public spaces illegal.
•    These vehicles are not road legal unless part of an approved rental scheme – there is currently no such scheme active in Bedfordshire.
•    If you are caught riding an e-scooter, e-bike, or any other off-road vehicle on a public road or in any other public space, your vehicle may be immediately seized and later destroyed.
•    Some vehicles sold online or in person may have been stolen, and purchasing one could lead to prosecution for handling stolen goods.
•    Riding any vehicle dangerously or disruptively in public places is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, and this includes e-scooters, quad bikes, and off-road motorcycles.

Protect your property:
If you own an off-road vehicle for use on private land, mark it securely and store it out of sight in a locked shed or garage. 
Registering your items at www.immobilise.com increases the chances of recovery if they’re lost or stolen. For thefts and related crimes, report them at www.beds.police.uk

We’re taking action: Operation Skytree is our high-impact initiative tackling nuisance vehicles using police motorbikes and drones, covert and overt patrols, and intelligence-led investigations.

Working closely with local authorities, the aim is to identify and disrupt nuisance riders across the county.

Remember, unless a vehicle is specifically designed and registered for road use, it can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.

If you notice nuisance vehicles in your area, you can report them by visiting www.beds.police.uk and providing details about the incident and the rider.