With Christmas approaching and people starting to think about buying gifts, Dean Bank Primary Ambassadors for Community Change would like to share what they have learned about e-scooters and electric bikes.
Here are some very important questions and answers that might help you decide on your gift choice over the festive season.
Can e-scooters be ridden on public roads?
No – they can only be ridden on private land, with the landowner’s permission.
What about on the pavement or cycle lanes?
No. The law says they cannot be used on public places, including roads, pavements, parks or cycle lanes. If you are caught using a powered transporter (e-scooter) on a public road, pavement, you are committing a criminal offence and could be prosecuted.
So why was I allowed to buy one, if I can’t actually use it?
You are allowed to buy or sell e-scooters, and you can use them on private land (with permission).
Why aren’t private e-scooters legal to use in public?
E-scooters are classed as powered transporters and fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1998.
This means that the same rules that apply to motor vehicles, apply to e-scooters.
This includes:
driving with a licence;
driving or riding with insurance;
driving or riding other than on a road.
It is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, meaning it is illegal to use them on the road, paths or public spaces.
I’m a parent – if my child is stopped while riding an e-scooter, would I be prosecuted?
Yes. You could be liable to prosecution for allowing a child to ride otherwise than in accordance with a licence, or with no insurance.
Why are electric bikes legal to use, but not e-scooters?
Electrically assisted bikes are allowed in public places – provided they have pedals to propel it, the electric motor’s power doesn’t exceed a specified limit, electrical assistance cuts out when the vehicle reaches 15.5mph, and the rider is not under 14 years old.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
