THINK TWICE before buying an e-scooter as a Christmas present. That’s the warning from Thames Valley Police as they launch a crackdown on the transport devices.
They can only be used on private land, and cannot be used on roads.
Police also warn that it is not possible to have insurance to ride an e-scooter on the road, and this is why they cannot be driven in public places.
“This is because e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles in law,” a statement from the force said.
“In theory, this means that you need an MoT, road tax and insurance to use one, however it isn’t currently possible to register e-scooters in this way.
“Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner.”
They are now warning that e-Scooters could be seized and the rider – or their parents – could receive points on their driving licence and receive a fine, if they are stopped on a road, pavement or public space.
The only exception is where rental schemes are in place. These are for people who are 16 or over, and have a full or provisional driving licence that covers categories AM, A or B.
These scheme are running in Buckinghamshire (Zipp Mobility), Milton Keynes (Lime, Tier and Ginger), and Oxford (Voi). Slough were trialling the use of e-scooters, but this is currently suspended.
