E-scooter reminder ahead of Christmas

People buying e-scooters as a gift this year are being reminded that their use is still illegal on public streets.

Currently it is illegal to use an e-scooter on public roads with riders running the risk of their scooters being seized and seeing themselves facing criminal charges.

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 an MOT, license, tax and insurance.

And as they do not any signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.

Steve Hughes, Traffic Management Officers for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “Over the last year there has been a big increase in the number of private e-scooters being used in Derbyshire – as well as across the country.

“However, the law around privately owned scooters is clear – they are illegal to use on public roads.

“If you do buy one then it should only be used on private land. If it is used on a public road then the rider runs the risk of having their scooter seized and being prosecuted for offences like driving without a licence and insurance, dangerous driving and, if they are drunk, for drink driving.

“If you do want to use an e-scooter then you can do so in Derby city centre, which is part of the national trial for their use on public roads.”

To find out more about the Derby city centre e-scooter trial click here.

For more information about e-scooters, along with other forms of transport that are currently banned from public use, here: Powered transporters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)