Dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes were seized in Nottingham city centre towards the end of 2025 and it now looks as if the council is preparing to tighten controls with a permanent ban

Towards the end of last year concerns were raised over anti-social behaviour outside the Council House, as well as the dangers of private e-bike and e-scooter use in Old Market Square, particularly when busy events are being hosted.

In response Nottingham City Council has been looking at a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the Old Market Square area specifically to ban private electric vehicles.

A PSPO gives powers to council enforcement officers to deter troublemakers in specific areas and allows fines to be issued to those who break the terms of the order.

At a meeting on Monday (January 12) the authority gave an update on its work to clamp down on the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in the city centre.

Cllr Corall Jenkins (Lab), executive member for neighbourhoods, waste and equalities, said the council recognises the challenges of controlling them, but added there “is a real effort from all partners to work together on this”.

“During November and December 31 e-bikes and e-scooters were seized,” she said.

“Discussions are in place and we will be feeding back to scrutiny committee on potential banning of the use of e-bikes/e-scooters in the city centre, particularly during large events.

Several no-go and low-speed zones are currently enforced across the city, including the Market Square, for e-scooters that can be rented out under the Dott scheme.

Similarly there is a no-go area in the Broad Marsh bus station and car park for e-bikes that can be rented out from the LIME operator.

While it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements, or parks, their users can still easily access these city centre areas.