Boston Police Seize Illegal Scooters During October Safety Crackdown

Boston police intensified their downtown enforcement on scooters and mopeds on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Officers seized nine mopeds, issued seven summonses, and gave multiple citations for “various motor vehicle law violations,” according to a police statement issued on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Boston police said these latest efforts are part of a broader initiative called Operation Safe Scooter. The operation targeted public safety concerns in downtown Boston, specifically those regarding mopeds and scooters. Other concerns addressed include underage riders, along with unlicensed and uninsured operators.

According to a Boston.com report, authorities seized eight scooters and arrested a man allegedly driving a stolen scooter in Back Bay on May 15. Later that month, officers seized nine unregistered scooters and took another man into custody after allegedly attempting to flee from officers who tried to stop him for “recklessly operating an unregistered moped,” according to police. 

Police said the man was charged with resisting arrest, failing to stop for police, recklessly operating a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

After a pause in incidents reported from June through September, Operation Safe Scooter prompted more operations to occur in October. Boston.com reported that officers in Hyde Park towed 11 mopeds on Oct. 15 as part of Operation Safe Scooter, with citations and criminal summonses issued to the owners, according to police. Police seized three more mopeds in downtown Boston on Oct. 16, with citations and summonses issued to the owners of the mopeds.

According to Boston.com, police have seized more than 50 scooters since the beginning of October.

Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious activity and to provide contact information through the Boston Police Department, Crime Stoppers, or 911 for emergencies. Community members can also provide information anonymously through the CrimeStoppers tip line by calling 800-494-TIPS or texting “TIP” to CRIME (27463).