Dorset's police chief has raised concerns over the illegal use of e-scooters in the county.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset, David Sidwick, has said that illegal e-scooters are being used 'dangerously' and in 'acts of anti-social behaviour'.

The current law states that privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

It is therefore illegal to use them on public roads, pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas.

Mr Sidwick said: "I have many concerns over the use of illegal e-scooters in Dorset and I take issue with the irresponsible retailers who sell these items, they are quite simply misleading the public.

"I often hear from residents’ stories of e-scooters causing accidents, being ridden dangerously or being used in acts of anti-social behaviour."

In the last 12 months, Dorset Police has seized 59 privately owned e-scooters.

When it comes to enforcement, an e-scooter is classed as a powered transporter, and they are treated as a motor vehicle and fall under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

They are subject to the same legal requirements as motor vehicles. This includes mot, tax, licensing, insurance, and specific construction regulations.

Mr Sidwick has called for more to be done when it comes to how the modes of transport are monitored on the roads, but does believe they could be a 'transformative form of personal transport'.

He added: "I am pleased to see that the government are taking steps to control safety issues around illegal privately owned e-scooters by working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to produce guidance that will hopefully help combat recent issues with the fire safety of certain devices.

"However, I believe more needs to be done about how these machines are used and controlled on public roads.

"I do believe that e-scooters have the potential to be a transformative form of personal transport – if used correctly, and within the law.

"However, there are too many people who use e-scooters in an irresponsible and dangerous manner.

"Put simply - you cannot buy and use an e-scooter on any public land and that includes roads, pavements, pathways, or walkways – so unless you personally own great swathes of land in Dorset you cannot ride these machines legally.

"My advice is don’t buy an e-scooter unless you want it to be seized by the police. It’s as simple as that."