FOLLOWING concerns raised by residents about the illegal use of e-scooters on local roads and pavements, Wiltshire Police have clarified the laws around using them and issued safety advise.
Earlier this year at a Westbury Town Council meeting, a local councillor recalled an incident where children riding e-scooters nearly collided with her.
Cllr Jane Russ told White Horse News, “Personally I do find them scary as they are fast and almost totally silent. I ride my bike around the town and have often been overtaken by one. They have no ‘bells’ so can’t advise they are about to pass.
“The much more worrying issue is when you see a young child on one. I saw a boy, late teens, out with his much younger brother, who was probably about nine or 10. I don’t think parents realise that they are responsible if there is an accident.”
Wiltshire Police said, “While e-scooters are legally available to purchase, it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK. This includes roads, pavements, parks, town centres or promenades. The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land.
“This is because e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles. As such, if they are used on a road, pavement or public place they are subject to the same legal requirements as any motor vehicle.”
Penalties can include using a ‘motor vehicle’ on a road or other public place without insurance (6 points, £300 fine, seizure of vehicle); or without a licence (penalty points, fine, seizure of vehicle); • Failing to comply with construction and use legislation – ranging from non-endorsable fixed penalty to being reported to court for using in a dangerous condition; • Impaired by alcohol/drugs – licence disqualification, fine or penalty points.
Inspector Tina Osborn from Devizes Police said: “We understand that e-scooters are very tempting for Christmas presents, but we would urge people to fully understand the law first. Some people are purchasing e-scooters in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads, this is not the case.
“Our focus is engaging with members of the community and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters. Offenders who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately, whereby the e-scooter will be seized and the rider reported for any offences.
“I would also urge anyone using an e-scooter legally – i.e. on private land – to carefully consider their safety before doing so. All riders should wear a helmet, younger riders particularly, would benefit from additional protective clothing such as knee and elbow pads to minimise injury.”
