POLICE have responded to a call from two Basingstoke councillors to crackdown on ‘menace’ e-scooters by saying that an ‘education’ approach is being used.

As previously reported by the Gazette, Cllrs Sam Jeans and Arun Mummalaneni (both Conservative, Brookvale & Kings Furlong) said they want to see Hampshire Constabulary do more to deter the illegal use of the scooters on public pavements following “almost daily” complaints from residents.

Cllr Jeans said: “I personally have experienced almost being knocked over walking down Winchester Road, where I live.

“My personal opinion is that this must be regulated to maintain the safety of the rider and other members of the public.”

Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land, with permission from the landowner.

In legislation, an e-scooter is classed as a powered transporter and is treated as a motor vehicle and so falls under the Road Traffic Act. This means that they are subject to all the same legal requirements as motor vehicles; MOT, tax, licensing, insurance and specific construction regulations.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson told the Gazette that there is currently no lawful way to register, tax, or insure a privately owned e-scooter, which means that riding anything other than a rental scheme e-scooter on a public road, pavement or other public area, even if it is included in a rental scheme trial location, is a road traffic offence.

As of July 2021 there are three e-scooter trial areas within Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. These are Portsmouth, Southampton, and in Newport, but not in Basingstoke.

The police force spokesperson continued: “Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working with the public to explain the rules, before taking any enforcement action. We will engage with those using e-scooters to educate them on the requirements, they will then be issued with a formal warning.

“If they are seen illegally using an e-scooter again they could be issued with a fine, receive points on their licence and have the scooter seized.

“If the e-scooter is being ridden in a careless or dangerous manner, or if it is being used in an anti-social manner it could also be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

“We would encourage the public to report any nuisance use of e-scooters to us through the Hampshire Constabulary website or by calling 101.”