Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea
Posted on in Business News, Cycles News
An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow suit.
Grant MacIver, owner of Skinnergate Cycles in Stockton, Teesside, which has been a member of the ACT for over 10 years, said he had taken the decision because he believed some retailers were knowingly supplying devices that are then misused on public streets and in neighbourhoods.
He argued that while it is legal to sell and own e-scooters, they are classed as motor vehicles and can only be used on private land with permission, adding that too many are being ridden illegally and dangerously in public spaces.
Mr MacIver said: “Some retailers are happy to sell them knowing they’re being used on the streets and potentially terrorising local neighbourhoods.”
Cleveland Police has echoed the plea, reporting 36 collisions involving e-scooter riders and pedestrians between 2021 and 2025, resulting in one fatality and 14 serious injuries, and said it has carried out enforcement operations targeting misuse, often involving children, as well as illegal or modified e-bikes and e-motorbikes.
The force added it has introduced education courses for those caught misusing e-scooters to explain the law before potential prosecution.
Superintendent Paul Richardson said: “Often e-scooters are seen as toys rather than vehicles and some people don’t know that by law they are prohibited from being used on public land and cycle lanes due to the dangers they pose to both the riders and members of the public.”
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