WATCH: Teens on e-scooters narrowly avoid being hit by cars while trying to evade police
Watch as teens on e-scooters narrowly escape being hit by cars
Police have released footage showing a group of teenagers narrowly avoiding being hit by cars while riding e-scooters in an anti-social and dangerous manner near the Victorious Festival site.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary shared the footage after officers spotted the group on August 30 and attempted to stop them.
The teenagers fled the scene and were later seen riding through red lights, travelling in pedestrianised areas and going against the flow of traffic. They were also reportedly reaching speeds of up to 30mph.
A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary 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.
“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.”
After stopping the riders, police seized the e-scooters and said they would be crushed.
Chief Inspector for Portsmouth, Sam Warne, said: “This video shows that we’re committed to tackling high-powered e-bikes and scooters and the anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving that comes with them.
“We will continue to do so and share this with you when we can.”s safe.