E-SCOOTER owners have been warned about riding them in public areas in Worcestershire.

There have been many concerns reported to police regarding the use of e-Scooters and the impact they are having on the community. 

Officially, people are not allowed to use e-scooters on roads, pavements, or other public places as they cannot be registered and taxed due to not meeting the required safety regulations.

As they are classed as "powered transporters”, they fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988, and therefore, the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters.

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If you do use an e-scooter in those places you could face prosecution.

Even if you are given a fixed penalty ticket, riding without insurance attracts a £300 fine and 6 points on your driving licence.

If you don’t have a licence, the points would be on it when you apply for one. Further fines could be imposed for riding without a licence, riding on the pavement or off-road.

The matter could also be referred to a magistrates court where fines and points can be higher.

The police can also seize and destroy the E-Scooter if it is ridden without a licence or insurance, or carelessly in a manner likely to alarm, distress or annoy people – even if this is off the road.

Where can I ride an E-Scooter?

It is legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.

The government recognises that this type of personal transport might be useful and environmentally friendly so has also announced that there can be trials in specified areas. These are for rental E-Scooters only so that the places they can be used are ‘geo-fenced’ and the rental covers the insurance.

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The Road Traffic Act allow determines the requirement for careful riding with a licence and insurance.

Different legislation permits ‘Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles, Mobility Scooters, but as yet there is no legislation permitting use of E-Scooters in public places outside of the government trials.