E-Scooter advice

E-Scooter advice

E-SCOOTER ADVICE

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 Landowners permission.

Rental E-scooters (part of government-approved trials) may be used legally on public road and cycle lanes in trail 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 mean they fall under the same law 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 limit)

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?

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

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 1998

Destroy the vehicle if not claimed or 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

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Maisy Calvert
(Bedfordshire Police, Police Community Support Officer, Luton)