E Scooters – information from Derbyshire Police for parents/guardians

Hello Parents,

There has been a rise in privately owned E Scooters, these remain illegal to use anywhere except for privately owned land with the land owners consent. As you will more than likely have seen this is not always being complied with and the sight of them on parks/pavements and even roads is becoming a regular thing. Often when stopped by Police we can find the rider ranging from 14 years old up to adult hood, so by sending this message out to you as parents we hope to A) make you aware of the consequences of riding one in a public place and or B) Deter the purchase of one for your child.

Given how powered transporters are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”. Therefore the laws that apply to motor vehicles apply to powered transporters. It is illegal to use a powered transporter:

• on a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements, which potential users will find very difficult
• in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes

Any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted which we want to avoid happening as well as avoid any accidents occurring from using them. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters/information-sheet-guidance-on-powered-transporters

If you would like to speak to a member of your local safer neighbourhood team please call 101 or request so via www.derbyshire.police.uk

Thank you.