‘Only a matter of time’ before tragedy, councillors warn over illegal e-scooters

Calls for tougher laws on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes are growing in Portsmouth as councillors warn it is “only a matter of time” before tragedy.

Portsmouth City Council has outlined the work being done to tackle the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes across the city, with councillors calling for changes to the law.

At a recent cabinet meeting, members discussed safety concerns around the illegal use of e-scooters in public spaces, on pavements and on roads.

National data shows their use is increasing, with 1,484 casualties recorded in collisions last year, including 485 serious injuries and 10 deaths.

In Portsmouth, the council’s 2024 community safety survey found a slight rise in traffic-related anti-social behaviour (ASB), including incidents involving e-scooters.

The report also noted e-scooters first emerged as a concern in 2022, when they were mentioned by 4 per cent of respondents, adding that the issue “is expected to persist in 2026 where traffic issues remain the second most commonly reported form of ASB”.

The council does not have powers to enforce offences involving privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes. However, it can support police enforcement by sharing intelligence and reporting incidents.

It also oversees wider transport issues, including the regulated Voi e-scooter hire scheme across the city.

Police carry out a range of work to tackle the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes. This includes targeted enforcement through Operation Crush, a road policing campaign focused on unsafe and illegal driving and riding.

Officers also carry out extra patrols in problem areas, stop riders, seize vehicles where offences are committed, and respond to reports and complaints through neighbourhood policing teams.

Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, said he had brought the report to the meeting to “get some air” into the issue.

He said he had raised his concerns with Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who is doing “her level best around Hampshire to try and address the issue”.

He also highlighted the “dreadful incident” involving Gloria Stephenson, a grandmother who was killed in Sunderland after being hit by an e-motorbike last year.

“Sadly it is only a matter of time before these illegal scooters in Portsmouth has done more damage than they’ve already done.

“I want to explain to everyone that PCC has no powers, none whatsoever to stop a vehicle or the prosecution of such things are entirely within the jurisdiction of Hampshire constabulary.”

Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport, said he is a strong supporter of e-bikes and e-scooters because they offer a “cheap, flexible point-to-point means of travel”.

He said they are particularly important for young people who do not have “access to car and often live in cramped housing”.

He praised the Voi scheme’s safety features, including speed limits, insurance, rider training and location restrictions.

“But illegal e-bikes and scooters may have none of these benefits.

“These are the ones typically used in crime and the much wider issue of unsafe and anti-social behaviour – ridden on pavements and through parks, jumping traffic lights or weaving in and out of traffic.

“However, I do not think the genie can be put back inside the bottle in respect of these electric formats. Nor should we want to, given their potential benefits. Nor is fair to blame the police who are responsible for enforcement, not the council as so many wrongly believe.”

He added that while he welcomed the commissioner’s Operation Crush, “the right answer is new legislation”.

“We need carrot and stick, education and enforcement, in the same way we have controlled drink-driving and driving whilst on the phone.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones told The News that tackling the issue remained a top priority. But said the police needed the public’s help including, most importantly, not buying scooters which will be used illegally.

She said: “Too often we see people on privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes riding dangerously on roads and pavements breaking the law. I've made tackling the issue one of my top priorities.

"I get numerous emails every week from people who've either been involved in or have witnessed near-misses and collisions - some of which have resulted in significant injuries.

“Operation Crush sends a clear message: by seizing and crushing e-bikes and e-scooters we're disrupting criminal activity, reducing the risk of injury, and helping make our streets safer.

"Police can't do this alone though. I would also remind parents and carers thinking of buying them for their children that you are encouraging them to break the law and are putting them at risk.”