Northumbria Police seized two e-scooters from 13-year-old twin boys after they rode them illegally in a Sunderland park, only for the mother to discover the force was selling them online.
The scooters were taken at Silksworth Park on July 1. The mother, who did not wish to be named, was initially told they would be crushed. Two weeks later, she found them listed on the auction website RAW2K, identifiable by personalised stickers.
Mother's complaint and police response
She complained to the force and requested a hold on the sale. An email confirmed "A hold has been placed on the scooters pending the outcome of the complaint." A further email stated "The auction company have confirmed both items are on hold."
The mother said: "It's absolutely disgusting what they're doing. I was so angry. They are taking property off people and selling it on for their own benefit." She added that she purchased the scooters for Christmas at £750 each and is still paying for them.
Legality of e-scooters
It is illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes, pavements, parks, or skate parks. They can only be used on private land with permission. Selling them is not illegal.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Tackling the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes remains one of our Force priorities... We have subsequently received a complaint in relation to the seizures, and this is currently under review." They added that where a scooter can be legally sold, "these can be sent to auction with money raised reinvested in policing," and they are reviewing their policy.
