Important Information Regarding the Use of Privately Owned E-Scooters

Important Information Regarding the Use of Privately Owned E-Scooters

Legal Classification

Privately owned e-scooters are legally classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. As privately owned e-scooters cannot currently obtain the insurance required for lawful use on public roads, it is against the law to ride them in public places, including roads and pavements.

Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians

Parents, guardians and other adults should be aware that knowingly allowing a child to use a privately owned e-scooter unlawfully may result in the adult being prosecuted for a “cause or permit” motoring offence.

Allowing the use of an uninsured vehicle can result in 6 penalty points and a £300 fine. Penalty points may also have implications for the individual’s driving record and future vehicle insurance.

Consequences for Young Riders

Pupils who ride privately owned e-scooters in public may also face legal consequences. These can include:

Where a young person does not yet hold a driving licence, penalty points may be recorded against a DVLA “ghost licence” and can become relevant when they later apply for a provisional or full driving licence.

Request to Parents

Parents are reminded that privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or other public places. Their use is restricted to private land with the permission of the landowner. We encourage parents and carers to discuss these legal requirements with their children and to be aware of the potential consequences of unlawful e-scooter use, which may include seizure of the vehicle, penalty points, fines, and issues relating to insurance.

By understanding and reinforcing these rules, parents can help keep young people safe and support safer use of the road network within our communities.

Our priority is to help keep young people safe and ensure that pupils and their families understand the legal responsibilities associated with e-scooter use.