Officers are asking parents and carers who may be considering buying or gifting an e-scooter this Christmas to be aware of the laws and potential serious injury they can cause.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence and insurance.
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
It is only legal to use e-scooters on private land such as your garden, but you must have permission from the landowners.
There are trial areas in which you can rent an e-scooters however none of these are in Cumbria.
The scooter could also be seized by the police if found being ridden in a public place.
Considerations also need to be taken when considering buying electrically assisted pedal cycle’s
Inspector Jack Stabler from the Road Policing Unit said “Whilst we understand why people may want to buy them for Christmas its important you are aware of the laws and that you comply
“It remains against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads.
“If anyone is found to be riding an e-scooter on a public road or footpath the e-scooter could be seized, your present lost and you will be reported for offences such as no insurance, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and driving over the prescribed limit of drink or drugs. These could result in points, fine or disqualification.
“These aren’t toys and can cause serious injury to riders or other path or road users if ridden irresponsibly.”
E-bikes
You can ride an electric bike if you are aged 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.
These requirements are that the E-Bike must be classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC).
An EAPC must:
- Have pedals that can be used to propel it.
- Show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor.
- Show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike.
- Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts.
- Not have a motor able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph.
If an E-Bike falls within the EAPC definition, legally it is treated like a regular, non-assisted pedal cycle. You don’t need to register the bike and you don’t need to have insurance.
If the e-bike does not meet the definition it is not legal for use on the road or public spaces. This would include pavements and pedestrianised areas.
This is specifically relevant where motor input is controlled by a twist grip on the handlebar and there are either no pedals or the main propulsion is not by using the pedals. These machines are treated by UK law like petrol-powered mopeds. This means they must be taxed and insured, you must have an appropriate licence and you need to wear a motorcycle-style helmet to ride them.