THE scheduled crushing of an e-scooter seized in Worcester has been met with widespread criticism from the public.

West Mercia Police’s Operations Patrol Unit tweeted on Sunday that an e-scooter taken from its operator would be destroyed due to illegal use.

E-scooters are subject to the same rules as other motor vehicles other than in areas where they are part of a government trial which does not include Worcester.

READ MORE: E-scooters - what are the rules? 

Kate Wilkinson said: “Such a waste, are they dumped on landfill or dismantled for parts? Surely there’s a better solution?”

Steven Britton said: “Time the big brother state focused on catching real criminals, this country is getting more like George Orwell’s 1984 every day. Next push bikes will be banned.”

Jodie Brown commented: “Congratulations to West Mercia Police for apprehending such dangerous criminals. Cleaning up our cities one electric scooter at a time.”

But a respondent pointed out: “If you got hit by one you would be in hospital in a bad way no doubt. Kids ride them round like race bikes, dropping red lights riding paths at stupid speeds and not adhering to any traffic/road laws.

“Very, very dangerous indeed. Fair play to the old bill for cracking down on it I say.”

Julia Wild added: “So they can’t use (them) but can purchase these, how’s that allowed? Not to use on roads, etc, an what about disabled scooters on main roads (with) no insurance, no road tax, no number plates, no register, absolutely no safety. Just how is that allowed?”

Dan Weaver: “Absolutely ridiculous. If I have tools and equipment stolen the police do nothing, be lucky if you even get a crime number yet a kid on electric scooter gets mobbed by about 10 of them for doing (nothing), it’s a joke.

“They want striking off, they(‘re a) waste of time and tax payers’ money.”

Asked for comment, a West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Although e-scooters are available to buy they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas.

“E-scooters fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles in terms of requiring insurance, tax, MOT, license and registration.

“There is no mechanism in place at the moment to obtain any of these for e-scooters so as this requirement can’t be met their use in public areas is illegal.

“Anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police.”