POLICE are urging Warwickshire residents not to buy e-scooters as Christmas presents as the recipients could end up in trouble with the law.
It is currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK.
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) – so are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, licensing, tax and insurance.
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
While some parts of the country are taking part in government trials for e-scooter hire with a view to making them legal to use on the roads, Warwickshire is not currently part of the trials.
Sgt Shaun Bridle of Warwickshire Police said: “We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.
“However the law is clear. You can buy one but it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter in any public space including roads, pavements, parks, town centres or canal towpaths for example. The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land.”
Warwickshire County Council’s community safety spokesman Coun Andy Crump said: “We understand the public’s support for environmentally friendly modes of transport and want to work with our local communities to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.
“However, we are asking the public not to rush in to buying an e-scooter but to await the results of the UK trial.
“In the meantime please do not ride an e-scooter in a public place.”
Police have the power to seize e-scooters and prosecute riders, and advise keeping e-scooters on private land. Officers will also be using Section 59 of the Police Reform Act to issue a warning to riders of e-scooters and educate them as to the legal requirements. If a rider is under 16 years old then this advice will also be given to the parents.
