Think before you buy an E-Scooter
Many popular retailers sell e-scooters, and members of the public need to be aware of the law on their use before they buy.
Although you can buy an e-scooter in the UK, you cannot legally ride a private e-scooter on a UK public road, cycle lane, or pavement; you can only ride on private land. The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those that are rented as part of government-backed trials.
The law is clear that e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements. This includes 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. The attached link has more information Powered transporters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The UK Government is currently taking part in ‘Future Transport Zone’ trials for e-scooter hire, with a view to making them legal to use on the roads. All local authorities can apply to take part, but at the moment, the Northumberland area is not part of the trials. Northumbria Police are campaigning to raise awareness; although they understand the public’s support for environmentally friendly modes of transport, they want to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act allows police to give road users a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance. Northumbria Police also have the powers to seize vehicles.
If you already own an e-scooter, please make sure use it on private land only. If you are thinking about buying one, make sure you are aware of the law before you do.
