e-scooters and the law

It is understandable that buying an e-scooter for yourself or your children can be tempting as they are readily available from lots of retailers.

The current law states that you can buy one, but you are not allowed to ride them on UK public roads, cycle paths or pavements. E-scooters are only to be ridden on private land.

Why is this?

e-scooters are classed as personal light electric vehicle (PLEV’s) so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, licensing, tax and insurance.

What happens if the police stop you?

Section 165a of the road traffic act allows police to seize any motor vehicle being used on the road which does not have the required documentation. Once seized the police can dispose of the e-scooter in accordance with force policy and the rider will possibly be liable to a fine, points on a driving license or both in certain situations

Section 59 also allows police a warning if a vehicle is being driven in a manner which may cause alarm, distress or annoyance and this also results in the e-scooter being seized.

Police can seize any private scooter with the likelihood the e-scooter will be disposed of accordingly if they are being used on a public road or footpath and the rider may also be liable for prosecution.

If you require any more information please contact your local neighbourhood team or visit www.gloucestershire.police.uk