Shepton Mallet's Town Council has voiced concerns over the increasing usage of electronic scooters, known as e-scooters, prompting local law enforcement to make the issue one of their top priorities.

E-scooters, classified as 'Powered Transporters,' encompass a range of personal transportation devices that use mechanical propulsion.

This includes e-scooters, Segways, hoverboards, go-peds, powered unicycles, and u-wheels. The legislation categorises these transporters as motor vehicles, subjecting them to the same laws and regulations that all motor vehicles must follow.

However, a key distinction lies between privately owned e-scooters and those available for rent.

Rental e-scooters, predominantly found in larger cities, are road-legal because the rental company covers the insurance. In contrast, privately owned e-scooters are not legally insurable, rendering them unlawful for use on roads, bridleways, or any public highway. They may only be used legally on private land with the landowner's permission.

In response to the council's concern, Shepton Mallet police have outlined a strategy for managing the growing trend of e-scooter usage. Initially, law enforcement plans to focus on education about e-scooter laws and potential penalties.

A police spokesperson remarked, "Our main objective is to ensure the safety of our community. We believe that education is the first step in achieving this. We aim to inform our residents about the current laws and regulations concerning e-scooters to prevent any potential mishaps."

The police will issue warnings to users found operating e-scooters unlawfully. If a rider is caught a second time, the police will seize and destroy the e-scooter and report the rider for relevant driving offences.

"We're committed to enforcing these regulations," added the spokesperson. "Repeat offenders will have their e-scooters confiscated and destroyed. It's essential to maintain order and ensure our roads and pathways are safe for everyone."