WATCH: Police chase illegal e-scooter rider through Portsmouth streets

Police have released a video of them chasing down an illegal e-scooter rider in Portsmouth.

The video shows officers pursuing the person through a number of streets before the rider throws down the e-scooter on 20 September.

While the footage cuts at this point, police said the rider had their e-scooter seized.

The video is part of the force’s campaign where they share updates of their work to tackle those illegally using e-scooters and adapted e-bikes in Portsmouth.

The force previously shared a video of a group of youths using e-scooters in an anti-social manner in Southsea near the Victorious Festival site on Sunday 31 August.

Giving an update on that incident, police said that along with having his e-scooter seized, a 15-year-old boy from Portsmouth has been summoned to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 13 October on suspicion of four offences.

These are driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, driving otherwise in accordance with a license, and failing to stop.

Police said e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. “This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance,” a force Facebook post said.

“It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters and it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.”

E-bike law

You can ride an e-bike without a license or insurance if you're 14 or over, but it must comply with the following:

• Must have pedals that you can use to propel it

• An electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts

• No electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 mph

If your electric bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped.

If you ride an e-scooter or adapted e-bike in a public place you risk having it seized and crushed, just like the rider shown in the video here, who attempted to evade police.

Police added: “Our officers have the powers to seize and crush e-scooters and off-road e-motorcycles being used to commit crimes, as part of our force-wide Operation Crush.

“Operation Crush also targets those illegally using the two-wheeled vehicles in an anti-social manner, and those putting themselves or other road users at risk of injury.

“Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the government legislation and guidance around use of powered transporters, to help keep yourself and others safe.”