We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.

However the current law is clear, you can buy one but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle path or pavement.

The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land. Why is this?

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles

and subject to the same legal requirements, such as: MOT, Licensing, Tax and Insurance .What happens if I am

stopped by Police?

Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, allows the Police to seize any motor vehicle being used on a road

which does not have the required documentation, which includes a driving licence for that class of vehicle.

Once seized by the Police it can be disposed of in accordance with force policy. The rider of the E-Scooter will

also be liable for prosecution which can result in a fine, points on a driving licence or both.

Section 59 of the police reform act allows police to issue a warning if a vehicle is being used in a manner which

may cause alarm, distress or annoyance. 

Being issued with this warning does not stop the e-scooter being seized.

Police can seize any private scooter with the likelihood the E-scooter will be disposed of accordingly if they are being used on a

public road or footpath and the rider may also be liable for prosecution for traffic offences.

For more information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.