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 on MNT@derbyshire.police.uk.