The use of E-Scooters and illegal E-bikes

Cheshire Police and their Neighbourhood team will be conducting several operations in the upcoming weeks in the area to tackle the use of E-Scooters and illegal E-bikes.

Police would like to remind all residents about the current legal position regarding privately owned electric scooters (e-scooters) in the United Kingdom and the growing safety concerns associated with their use within the area.

Under current UK law, privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use in public places, including:

Public roads

Pavements / footpaths

Parks

Cycle lanes

Other public spaces

They may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Privately owned e-scooters are classed as powered transporters and are treated in law as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

This means they would normally require:

Insurance

Registration

Vehicle tax (where applicable)

Compliance with construction and use regulations

A valid driving licence

As privately owned e-scooters generally do not meet these legal requirements, they cannot lawfully be used on public roads or public land.

It has come to Police attention that e-scooters being ridden at speed on roads, pavements, through pedestrian areas, and in a dangerous manner.

This creates significant risks to:

Pedestrians, including elderly residents and children

Wheelchair and mobility aid users

Other road users

The riders themselves

Many e-scooters are silent in operation and can appear suddenly, reducing reaction time and increasing collision risk.

Please be advised that any privately owned e-scooter seen being used illegally in the area will be stopped and seized by police under relevant road traffic powers, particularly where no insurance is in place. Users may also face fines and penalty points on their driving licence.

Likewise, it is highly important that parents do not allow their children to ride E-scooters on public roads or any of the public spaces mentioned above and these will also be seized by the police if seen.

Residents should note that e-bikes are different from e-scooters if they meet the UK standard for an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC).

A legal e-bike must have:

Working pedals capable of propelling the cycle

A motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts

Electrical assistance that cuts off at 15.5 mph (25 km/h)

Rider aged 14 or over for road use

If an e-bike exceeds these limits, it may be treated as a moped or motorcycle and require registration, insurance, and a licence.

We ask all residents to act responsibly, comply with the law, and help keep our community safe.