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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding E-Scooters/nuisance motorcycles, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. We are working closely with Canterbury City Council Enforcement Officers to tackle the illegal and anti-social use of pedal cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
Our Focus: Illegal & Dangerous Riding in Pedestrian Zones
We are actively patrolling and engaging with riders to enforce local and national regulations, focusing on the primary goal of pedestrian safety.
1. E-Scooters: The Law is Clear
Private E-Scooters are Illegal on Public Land: Since the end of the government trial scheme, it is illegal to ride any privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements, or in pedestrian zones in Kent. E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and must meet strict licensing and insurance requirements, which privately owned ones do not.
Police Action: Kent Police will educate riders first, but we will use our powers to seize any privately owned e-scooter being used illegally or in an anti-social manner. Consequences for illegal use can include fines and penalty points.
2. Pedal Cycles & E-Bikes: City Centre Restrictions
Pedestrian Zone Ban: Please remember that cycling (including standard pedal cycles and e-bikes) is banned within the main pedestrianised areas of the city centre between 10:30 am and 4:00 pm daily, as enforced by the City Council's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Joint Enforcement: We conduct joint operations with Council Enforcement Officers. While officers issue FPNs for breaching the PSPO hours, Kent Police officers have the authority to stop anyone riding illegally and address broader traffic offences.
Non-Compliant E-Bikes: E-bikes that exceed the legal limits for power (over 250W) or speed assistance (over 15.5 mph) are not road legal and must be taxed and insured as motor vehicles. Illegal or misused E-bikes are subject to enforcement action, including seizure.
How We Are Acting: Education and Enforcement
Our approach is twofold:
Education: We engage with riders—especially delivery couriers—to explain the current laws and the dangers of unsafe riding to pedestrians.
Enforcement: We are carrying out proactive patrols. Where necessary, we will issue FPNs for PSPO breaches, and we will use our powers under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to seize vehicles (especially illegal e-scooters) and take further action against those riding dangerously or without due care.
Your safety is our priority. We encourage all cyclists and riders to check the law regarding their vehicle type and to respect the pedestrian zones.
If you have information or wish to report specific concerns about illegal use in the Canterbury area, please contact us via:
Online Reporting Tool on the Kent Police website
101 (Non-Emergency Number)
 Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police. February 2025 saw the publication of the Ministry of Justice Crime and Policing Bill: Antisocial behaviour (ASB) factsheet. This outlined a number of new measures including making powers to seize vehicles under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 easier to use, allowing the police to react robustly and immediately to the anti-social use of motor vehicles. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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