‘It’s against the law to ride e-scooters in public’ say police

WESTBURY Police have reminded residents of the rules surrounding e-scooters following incidents of people riding them through the town. 

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 which means that the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters – including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.

Inspector Louise Oakley said, “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.

“We regularly communicate with schools and parents about the use of e-scooters including handing out leaflets. We would urge anyone who wants to report their misuse to report it to us either online or by calling 101.”

You can find out more about the rules surrounding e-scooters on the Wiltshire Police website: https://shorturl.at/erCP2