Greater Manchester Police seized 38 illegally used e-scooters during a national day of action aimed at tackling unsafe and anti-social riding across the region.

The operation, which took place on Saturday 6 June and was supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), saw officers target riders using e-scooters unlawfully on roads and pavements.

As e-scooters become increasingly popular, police say many riders remain unaware of the laws governing their use. Under current UK legislation, privately owned e-scooters cannot be legally ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or public spaces.

Only e-scooters operating as part of authorised rental schemes are permitted for use on public roads, and then only under specific conditions. Greater Manchester currently has one approved rental scheme in operation.

Because e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, riders must meet legal requirements including insurance, vehicle taxation and a valid driving licence when used on public roads. Privately owned e-scooters do not meet these requirements and therefore cannot be legally used in public areas.

Police said the day of action focused on both education and enforcement, with officers speaking to members of the public to raise awareness of the law while also taking action against those riding illegally.

Inspector Shah, from Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Illegal e-scooter use poses a real risk to both riders and the public.

“Many of those we encounter are uninsured and unaware they are breaking the law.

“These operations are about reducing harm, keeping our communities safe and educating members of the public.

“We are urging people to only use authorised rental schemes and to avoid riding privately owned e-scooters on public roads or pavements.”

Greater Manchester Police say they will continue carrying out enforcement activity as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce anti-social behaviour across the region.