Yahoo News Police seize e-scooter from woman taking child, 4, to school
Gloucestershire Police said it had taken the e-scooter from a woman in Stroud after a complaint from a member of the public.
Watch: Police seize e-scooter from woman taking young child to school
Police have seized an electric scooter from a woman who was taking a young child to school.
Gloucestershire Police said it had taken the e-scooter from a woman in Stroud after a complaint from a member of the public.
The force posted a video of the woman using the e-scooter to transport the four-year-old child in an area close to a school.
The woman had been transporting the child using the e-scooter "on a daily basis", police said.
The force said "concerns were raised" when it was alerted.
In a tweet, alongside a video of the woman using the scooter, Gloucestershire Police Specialist Ops, which is responsible for roads policing, said: "Concerns were raised regarding a female using an e-scooter to transport a young child on a daily basis."
It said officers attended and "observed four-year-old being transported in this way and vehicle seized".
The force added: "Thanks to the public for making us aware."
In the clip, the woman is seen travelling on the scooter behind the child, who is standing at the front as it goes down a hill.
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In 2020, Gloucestershire Police warned that its officers would seize e-scooters.
It said: "Gloucestershire Constabulary has warned that officers will seize electric powered vehicles being used illegally on pavements and cycle paths.
"It comes after a growing number have been spotted being used around Gloucester with many users unaware that they are committing offences, including young children."
Chief Inspector Al Barby said: “While these may seem like fun and environmentally-friendly ways of getting around, these vehicles can be dangerous to other road users as well as to the riders themselves.
“Any vehicle using the roads must be legally registered. Anyone caught using them on pavements or cycle paths face the possibility of it being seized, having points on their licence and being fined.”
Are e-scooters legal in the UK?
E-scooters cannot be used legally on roads, cycle lanes or pavements.
Because they do not have a specific law, they are recognised as "powered transporters", which means they fall under the same regulations as motor vehicles.
But e-scooters are illegal on roads because they don't have visible rear red lights, number plates or signalling ability.
The only e-scooters than can be used on public roads are those that are hired as part of government-backed trials.
E-scooters may be used on private land with the permission of the land owner.
How fast do e-scooters go?
In trials, such as in London, the speed limit of e-scooters is capped at 12.5mph, and they will automatically reduce speed to 8mph in "go-slow" areas.
However, most e-scooters on the market can reach speeds of up to 25mph.
How much do e-scooters cost?
Cheaper models can cost about £150, with mid-range e-scooters costing anything from £450 to £700. The most expensive e-scooters can cost up to £5,000.
