Christmas Present Safety Advice: e-scooters

For anyone who has bought an e-scooter as a present this year, here's some helpful information surrounding the law on their use...

E-scooters are not legal to be ridden on a road or other public place (the same as electric off-road bikes). This includes on roads, footpaths, pavements, public parks, etc. 

They are only legal to be ridden on PRIVATE LAND. 

An e-scooter is adapted for road use and therefore to be used on a road or a public place, the vehicle must meet several different requirements as it is classed as a Motor Vehicle.

Two such requirements are that you need a licence and insurance to ride them. (This is a ‘catch 22’, as you cannot get insurance for them).

If seen being ridden on a road, Section 165 Road Traffic Act powers of seizure for no insurance apply to officers.

Therefore, they can be seized and, if seized. they will be destroyed.

Although there are trials in various cities, the only permitted e-scooters to be used are those that are included in the trial (the ones for hire around the city.) NOT privately owned e-scooters.

So why are shops selling them?’

They are legal to sell, just like off-road motorbikes, however, they are illegal for use in public, just like off-road bikes. 

If you have bought yourself an e-scooter, OR have bought one for someone else - PLEASE ensure they are not ridden in a public place, as if seen by the police they will get seized. 

Find out more information here:

Christmas present e-bike warning from police in Wales - BBC News

Have a safe Christmas!

PC Harries

North Wales Police, NPT Constable, Flintshire North.