Two representatives from Thames Valley Police attended our recent Planning & Community meeting, to discuss the issue of e-scooting and e-bikes in Woodley town precinct.
There are several legal requirements and restrictions to do with e-scooters, which limit their use in public places.
Here is a summary of these from Thames Valley Police.
Classification of an e-scooter
Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of ‘powered transporters’; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you’re using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Legal use of an e-scooter
It’s legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.
Where a trial rental scheme is running, it’s legal to use a rental e-scooter on a public road, cycle lane and for those living in Milton Keynes, redways.
Penalties and offences
If you don’t have a licence, or the correct licence, or are riding without insurance you could face a Fixed Penalty notice:
- with a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
- up to £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence.
You could also be committing an offence if you’re caught:
- riding on a pavement; Fixed Penalty Notice and possible £50 fine
- using a mobile phone or other handheld mobile device while riding; £200 and six penalty points
- riding through red lights; Fixed Penalty Notice, £100 fine and possible penalty points
- drink driving: the same as if you were driving a car, you could face court imposed fines, a driving ban and possible imprisonment.
If you’re using an e-scooter in public in an antisocial manner, you can also risk the e-scooter being seized under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
When riding an e-scooter, we would always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet and to keep to the speed limit.
For more information and guidance please visit the Thames Valley Police website HERE.
