Police issue Christmas warning after illegal e-scooter rider jailed in St Neots

Police are urging people to think twice before gifting e-scooters this Christmas, after new figures revealed more than 300 have been seized across the county so far this year – including a recent case in St Neots which ended in prison.

Since January, officers have confiscated 332 privately-owned e-scooters found being ridden on public roads and in public spaces, where they remain illegal under current legislation.

PC AJ Boddington, the force’s casualty reduction officer, warned that anyone caught using an e-scooter outside of an approved council rental scheme risks losing it on the spot.

“It’s a myth you don’t need any documentation or insurance to ride them,” he said. “E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and those riding them need to have a driving licence and insurance when using them on public roads and in spaces.”

“Official schemes do have insurance and check driving licences, but you cannot individually get private e-scooter insurance. Please think of this before you buy an e-scooter as it could end up being a pretty costly Christmas.”

The warning follows the jailing of 32-year-old Ross Saunders at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (1 November). Saunders was spotted by officers riding on the pavement in Barford Road, St Neots, on 6 March while already banned from driving.

He pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and failing to surrender to police and was sentenced to six weeks in prison. He was also handed a further driving disqualification of two years and five months.

Police are reminding residents that only e-scooters hired through official, council-approved schemes are legal to use on public roads. Riders are also being encouraged to consider their own safety during darker winter months.

PC Boddington added: “Think about visibility, wear a helmet and high-vis clothing. Consider the changing conditions with wet weather and leaves making surfaces slippery. Make yourself seen, be aware and stay safe.”