E Scooters, The lowdown

E Scooters, The lowdown

Dear Cheadle Residents,

Staffordshire Police are reaching out to inform you of important legal regulations surrounding E-Scooters and to remind everyone that it is illegal to ride them on public roads, pavements, or in other public places without the correct authorisation. This message is particularly important for parents and guardians of children and teenagers who may be unaware of the legal implications.

E-Scooters – The Law

While E-scooters are becoming increasingly popular for short journeys, it is illegal to use private, non-licensed E-scooters on public roads, cycle paths, or pavements. This applies to all public spaces, including parks and shared pathways.

Why Are E-Scooters Illegal on Roads?

Lack of Safety Standards:
Private E-scooters do not meet the necessary road safety standards. Unlike cars and motorbikes, they are not designed to be used on public roads, where there are high-speed traffic and unpredictable conditions. They don’t have the same visibility, stability, or protection features required for safe road use.

No Insurance or Licensing:
E-scooters used on public roads and pavements are not registered or insured, meaning if an accident occurs, there’s no coverage for damages, injuries, or third-party liabilities. Riders are also not required to hold a valid driving licence, unlike motor vehicles. This lack of accountability can have serious consequences in the event of an incident.

Danger to Riders and Others:
E-scooters are silent, lightweight, and often difficult to see, which creates significant risks to both the rider and other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. They have no legal requirements for helmets, reflective clothing, or other safety gear, increasing the likelihood of serious injury in the event of an accident.

Increased Risk of Accidents:
Many E-scooters do not adhere to the same braking and lighting standards as other road vehicles, making it harder for riders to stop quickly or be seen by others. Additionally, the speed of E-scooters, which can reach up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), is considered unsafe for shared public spaces that are not designed for such high speeds.

Where Are E-Scooters Allowed?

Trial Rental Schemes: In some areas, E-scooters are allowed to be used on public roads ONLY as part of a government-approved trial rental scheme. These scooters are provided by licensed operators, who ensure that safety standards, insurance, and usage guidelines are in place.

Private Property: You can legally use your own E-scooter on private land with the owner’s permission. This could include large private estates, certain off-road locations, or private properties.

What Are the Consequences of Riding E-Scooters Illegally?

Riding an E-scooter on public roads or pavements without proper authorisation can result in:

Fines for riding an unregistered vehicle on public roads.

Seizure of the E-scooter by police officers.

Potential criminal charges if the E-scooter is involved in an accident, especially if anyone is injured.

What Parents and Guardians Need to Know:

Talk to Your Children and Teens: Many young riders are unaware of the legal restrictions. Please ensure they understand that riding an E-scooter on the road or pavement is illegal and unsafe.

Enforce Safe Practices: Encourage your children to use safe, legal methods of transport, like walking, cycling, or using public transport. If they want to use an E-scooter, check if they are part of a legal rental scheme in your area.

Monitor Equipment: If your child owns a private E-scooter, make sure they are only using it in private spaces or as part of a rental scheme, and ensure they’re always wearing safety gear like a helmet.

How You Can Help:

Report Illegal Riding: If you see someone riding an E-scooter illegally in public spaces, please report it to Staffordshire Police. You can contact us via:

Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency: 101
Report Online: Via Staffordshire Police Website
Social Media: Staffordshire Moorlands Police on Facebook

Keeping Cheadle safe means everyone doing their part. We want to make sure that no one is exposed to unnecessary risk, and your support in reporting illegal E-scooter use will help protect our community.

Stay Safe & Stay Legal:

We encourage you to be aware of the rules and educate others about the safety of electric transport. Let's all work together to ensure that roads and public spaces remain safe for everyone.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Adrian Waters
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Staffordshire Moorlands)