| 🚨 Police Advice to Residents on E-Scooter Use
✅ Legal Use of E-Scooters
· Privately owned e-scooters are not legal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or public spaces.
· They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
· Rental e-scooters (part of government-approved trials) may be used legally on public roads and cycle lanes in trial areas only and must follow the same rules as other motor vehicles.
❌ Illegal Use Includes:
· Riding on pavements or footpaths.
· Riding on public roads without insurance, tax, or registration (which private e-scooters cannot obtain).
· Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
· Using a mobile phone while riding.
⚖️ Legal Classification
· E-scooters are classified as “powered transporters”, which means they fall under the same laws as motor vehicles.
· Riders must have:
- A valid driving licence (for rental scooters).
- Be 18 or older (for rental scooters).
- Follow road traffic laws (e.g., traffic lights, speed limits).
👮♂️ Police Enforcement
· Police may seize e-scooters being used illegally.
· Riders may face fines, penalty points, or prosecution.
· Parents may be held responsible if children are caught riding illegally.
🚨 Why Are Police Seizing E-Scooters?
1. Illegal Use on Public Roads
Privately owned e-scooters are not road legal. They lack:
· Insurance
· Registration
· MOT
· Road tax
Because of this, riding them on public roads or pavements is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act.
2. Safety Concerns
Police are responding to:
· Collisions involving pedestrians
· Anti-social behaviour (e.g., reckless riding)
· Noise and nuisance in residential areas
3. Enforcement Powers
Under the law, police can:
· Stop riders and issue warnings or fines
· Seize the e-scooter under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988
· Destroy the vehicle if not claimed or if it’s deemed unsafe
📢 Community Message
We understand the appeal of e-scooters, but safety and legality must come first. Please help keep our roads and pavements safe by following the law. If you’re unsure whether your e-scooter is legal to ride, it probably isn’t.
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