East Lothian police charge youths on e-scooters for riding in 'antisocial manner'

Prestonpans High Street.
-Credit: (Image: Google maps)


Two 15-year-olds have been charged with various road traffic offences after they were allegedly caught riding e-scooters in an anti-social manner on an East Lothian high street.

Police officers patrolling Prestonpans High Street seized two e-scooters from the youths at around 10:30am on Friday, September 27, during a routine patrol in the area.

In a statement on social media, police reminded users of e-scooters and e-bikes they can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

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To use their vehicle on public paths or roads they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.

Both e-bikes and e-scooters are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle.

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The incident comes after a police crack-down on e-bikes and e-scooters this year. In May we reported how police in Edinburgh charged nine people during an initiative to prevent the illegal use of both.

Officers patrolled Leith Walk on Friday, May 10, following concerns from local residents. Several people had their vehicles seized while one rider was also arrested for an alleged hate crime.

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Six riders were charged in connection with road traffic offences relating to the illegal use of the electric bikes and scooters resulting in their vehicles being seized.