E-SCOOTERS could be confiscated by police if riders use them illegally - and they won’t be given back

Dorset Police has warned officers will seize scooters and that the law does not allow for them to be returned.

A spokesman said someone using a private e-scooter on public land may be given a warning the first time they are caught.

“If officers have occasion to see and stop someone riding a non-scheme scooter on public land then it’s likely the rider will be issued with a warning. They will be told categorically that they are not to use their e-scooter again unless on private property” said the spokesman.

“Should they be stopped for a second time, after advice has been given, the e-scooter will be seized under police powers and, under the law, cannot be returned.”

E-scooters have become popular in the Bournemouth and Poole area with more privately-owned ones being used on the roads, pavement and along the seafront.

Their use is illegal but riders are allowed to use scooters obtained from the Beryl rental scheme.

Bournemouth and Poole are part of a national trial involving the Beryl scooters and the hire fee includes insurance. The results will be used to shape national policy.

Beryl recently revealed that its scooters have travelled more than 36,000 miles in Bournemouth and Poole since they arrived in January.

E-scooters typically cost between £250 and £500 and travel at around 15mph. They have sparked controversy, particularly with their use along the promenade.

The Beryl scooters should only be used by over 16s with a valid driving licence but many appear to be ridden by those much younger.

Numerous scooters are being ridden with small children or even dogs on board.

And their use has sparked fears that they will become a danger to the pubic as the beach gets busier in the warmer months.

Beach hut users have called for e-scooters to be banned.

Bournemouth Beach Hut Association chair Ann Gerrard, said: “I think it is going to be very dangerous along the prom as the beach gets busier.

“It is bad enough with the cyclists but the e-scooters are going to make it worse. They go far too fast and people can’t hear them coming.”