POLICE have launched an initiative to crack down on riders of privately-owned e-scooters used in public areas.

Essex Police says it wants to educate owners and riders of privately owned e-scooters about current legislation.

The force will take enforcement action where necessary, especially if there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, other riding offences or wider crime.

A spokesman said: "We must ensure those using privately-owned e-scooters do not pose a risk to the public or themselves due to their presence on public highways and pavements.

"The use of privately-owned e-scooters in any public place is illegal.

"By educating riders and encouraging them not to use privately-owned e-scooters in a public area, we hope that the number of e-scooters being used illegally, and any perceived anti-social behaviour, will be reduced.

"We recognise that a number of these scooters will be owned and ridden by young people, so we have taken the opportunity to write to schools advising parents of our plans.

"We’re not trying to criminalise anyone, but please ensure you know the rules before buying your child an e-scooter."

Supt Sam Smith is leading the initiative.

He said: “We have written to schools recently and asked them to raise awareness with parents about the laws surrounding private e-scooters.

"Private e-scooters are permitted in law only to be used on private land, and are illegal if used on public land and we need to raise awareness of this legislation for everyone’s safety.

“We’re not trying to target young people, but we need them to know that there are aspects to riding an e-scooter that could put them, or the wider public, at risk if the e-scooter is being ridden in a dangerous manner.

“Privately owned e-scooters cannot be insured as they are not roadworthy and, therefore, they present a danger to the rider and the rest of the public.”

He added: “We are aware that e-scooters are also used by adults who use them as a means of leisure and transport, but we will stop and speak to them too. We want to keep people safe and continue to deal with reports of e-scooters being involved in crime.

“Where there is persistent use of privately-owned e-scooters, or evidence of other offences, we will take appropriate enforcement action. This includes e-scooter seizure and riders being reported for driving offences.”