Cumbria police and fire service are advising people considering buying or gifting an e-scooter this year 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 is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
Over the last 12 months officers in Cumbria have seized 39 e-scooters.
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 there are none in Cumbria.
Inspector Jack Stabler, from Cumbria police’s Road Policing Unit, said: “In Cumbria, it remains against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads.
“While we understand why people may want to buy them for Christmas its important you are aware of the laws and that you comply.
“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.
“These aren’t toys and can cause serious injury to riders or other path or road users if ridden irresponsibly.”
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said there were dangers associated with rechargeable batteries built into e-scooters.
Cheaper and non-branded e-scooters can pose a risk of fire. Even expensive versions can cause a fire if they are not charged appropriately.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Lauren Woodward, area manager for prevention and protection, said: “We would discourage anyone from buying an e-scooter due to the legalities of using it on public roads.
“However, if you do have one, they should be charged in a safe manner. Simple tips such as: Not charging it while you sleep; unplugging the charger once it’s done; not covering the charger or scooter whilst it charging to let any excess heat escape; ensuring the e-scooter aren’t blocking an escape route in the event of a fire and not overloading plug sockets will reduce the risk of fire.
“If you have a stolen or counterfeit e-scooter, we would strongly advise you not to use it as it may not have been through the appropriate safety tests that legitimate sellers need to pass in order to sell their wares.
“We want everyone to have a safe Christmas without a fire so please be careful around rechargeable electronics.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen, said: “E-scooters are still growing in popularity, but it is really important that we take the law into account when buying them.
“I would urge all parents and family members not to buy an e-scooter for their children – we don’t want to see anyone have their present seized by police, or worse, hurt in an accident on our roads.
“I would also encourage anyone who already owns an e-scooter to follow the safety tips provided by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service – no one wants a fire in their home due to leaving a charger on for an inappropriate amount of time or due to faulty goods.”
“Please be sensible, think through your gifts and stay safe.”
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 electric 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.
