More than 40 nuisance ebikes and electric scooters have been seized across Gravesham since additional powers came into force at the start of July.
It follows the introduction by Gravesham Borough Council of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order aimed at tackling nuisance vehicles.
New powers were also introduced recently under section 59 of Police Reform Act 2002 allowing police to seize motor vehicles being used in an anti-social manner and/or causing alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.
Kent Police have been making use of these additional powers available to them, carrying out four days of action in borough hot spots, with more planned.
More than 20 of the vehicles seized have since been crushed.
In addition to the seizures, nine £100 fixed penalty notices have been issued, and a Community Protection Warning (CPW) has been served on a property which was being used to store off-road bikes and whose riders were causing anti-social behaviour in the area.
Since the issuing of the warning, no further incidents connected to the property have been reported.
Welcoming the action, Cllr Deborah Croxton, Gravesham Borough Council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “Introducing the PSPO was just the start. Enforcement is key, and to know our police colleagues are making such effective use of these powers is hugely reassuring.
“Rider of ebikes and scooters need to understand the regulations around their use, and they risk having them seized and crushed. The action taken so far speaks for itself.”
In another positive result, the rider of an ebike attempted to escape officers in the Park Pale area but was stopped. The bike was found to have been stolen, and the rider was arrested and later recalled to prison. The bike was returned to its owner.
Cllr Croxton added: “Park Pale is a particular hotspot, and more than 900 local residents petitioned us to introduce a PSPO. They asked and we did, and I hope they are beginning to see improvements because of that.”
As well as enforcement, the council is also working to remind people of the rules around electric bike and scooter use, with its Community Safety Unit carrying out a range of community engagement events to promote awareness of the PSPO and to highlight the potential consequences of breaches.
Speedwatch days are also being planned in areas that have highlighted nuisance vehicles as an issue, while work to make specific routes less attractive to riders of off-road and electric bikes are being considered, with several areas seeing new CCTV cameras and barriers to restrict access.
Detective Inspector Nichole Carter of Kent Police said: “We are aware of concerns raised by residents and business owners about antisocial riding in Gravesham and are determined to tackle this issue.
“This behaviour endangers pedestrians and others who visit the area, and the PSPO will assist us to seize vehicles and take appropriate action against the riders.
“We'd ask people to continue reporting this type of offence to us or the council so we can carry on improving quality of life for the community.
“My advice to anyone who thinks they can cause a nuisance on a bike, e-bike or e-scooter is to think again.
“Our officers are patrolling the borough, and your vehicle is likely to be seized, and you will be finishing your journey on foot.”