POLICE have responded to online feedback about seizing an e-scooter from a 14-year-old by saying they had already tried the “common sense approach”.

Officers seized the e-scooter from the teenager after he was caught using it recklessly in North Baddesley.

The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land with permission from the landowner.

The original Romsey Neighbourhood Policing Team Facebook post added an e-scooter is treated the same as a vehicle, helping to explain why it was seized.

It said: “An e-scooter is classed as a Personal Light Electric Vehicle (PLEV). They are treated as motor vehicles and as such are subject to the same legal requirements. MOT, Tax, Licensing and Insurance.”

The Facebook post attracted hundreds of comments and shares.

In response to residents’ concerns, a spokesperson from the force said: “Prior to this seizure taking place, members of this male’s family, including his mother, were spoken with by the police on several occasions and advised about how to use this e-scooter in a “safe” and legal manner.

"As it was clear that this advice was being ignored, the officers involved in this seizure felt that that they had already exhausted the ‘common sense approach’ and discretion avenues and decided that it would be more appropriate to seize the vehicle, in order to prevent harm coming to anyone, including the young male riding it.”

The e-scooter was taken away on February 10.