Increasing issues caused by e-scooters in Woodley pose “significant danger” to pedestrians and road users, according to Thames Valley Police (TVP). 

Officers of the North Wokingham Policing Team, Sergeant Simon Botham and PCSO Clare Towse, were speaking at a Town Council meeting of the planning and community committee in July. 

Sgt Botham said TVP “recognise” that e-scooters are a “good, low-cost form of transport” but are currently only permitted “for use on private land” and are “not road legal”. 

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They are currently seen as a “non-entity”, so not covered in any legislation as either a pedal cycle or other form of vehicle, making their illegal use difficult to enforce. 

There are on-going trials around the country into the potential legalisation of e-scooters. TVP has been “proactively stopping” riders to advise them of the law but users are often “not interested”. 

Prior to enforcement, the TVP “engage with schools” to educate pupils about their use. A warning notice was issued to one rider who was deemed to have been riding “in a dangerous manner”. 

It was noted that the introduction of legislation would make the matter clearer and further enforcement is planned in the town precinct.