PCC urges residents to leave e-scooters off the shopping list on Black Friday

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts is urging people to think twice before buying an e-scooter for Christmas – or risk throwing their money down the drain. 

As shoppers hunt for the best deals this week, the Derbyshire PCC is reminding parents and caregivers that the force has seized and disposed of over 600 e-scooters since the launch of a countywide crackdown in November last year. 

The new policy, which sees officers seizing e-scooters on the first interaction with police before sending them for disposal, followed widespread concerns by residents about illegal and dangerous use of the vehicles. 

It has seen Derbyshire leading the way nationally in its tough, no-nonsense response to the issue. 

The PCC has continued to support enforcement with awareness-raising activity to ensure parents and caregivers understand that e-scooters are not only dangerous but riding them in a public place or on public roads is illegal. 

The PCC and force have launched campaigns targeting schools, parents, and the wider public. A ‘Know Your Rights’ video commissioned by the Commissioner is helping more young people understand the law. 

Additionally, working alongside partners the PCC has funded 200 ‘No E-Scooter’ signs now appearing in green spaces and hotspots across local authority areas including in Bolsover, Chesterfield and Amber Valley. This has been supported by digital billboard campaigns, social media advertising and letters to all primary and secondary schools across the force area to raise awareness of illegally ridden e-scooters and the potential for prosecution through the courts. 

The Commissioner has also written to the Home Office and Transport Ministers to push for clearer national guidance and enforcement. This includes working with the DVSA Market Surveillance Unit to challenge retailers who mislead consumers. 

In a fresh warning, Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said today:

“E-scooters have proven to be a dangerous menace to our communities. Not only do they pose a risk to riders themselves and other road users, they’re also responsible for unintentional law-breaking and could land parents with a hefty fine. 

“On too many occasions, e-scooters have been ridden dangerously, risking the lives of all road users. I listened to public concerns and have acted. 

“Over the past 12 months our officers and PCSOs have been out in force to tackle the e-scooter nuisance, tallying up more than 600 seizures. Any parent considering buying an e-scooter during the Black Friday sales or for Christmas should think twice – it could be money down the drain. Anyone caught riding illegally will see their e-scooter seized and destroyed immediately – without exception - and could face prosecution. I would urge people to consider whether it is really worth the consequences.” 

Ahead of the festive season, the PCC continues to reach out to major retailers directly to encourage responsible marketing and sales practices.