Cops seize scores of two-wheelers in crackdown.
Thames Valley Police have warned Milton Keynes families not to buy an e-scooter as a present this Christmas unless they are completely aware of the laws and dangers surrounding the bikes.
With the festive season fast approaching, the force has issued a reminder that e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, which means the rules that apply to cars also apply to the scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance.
However, it's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, say traffic officers at TVP. That means anyone using one in public risks having it seized. E-scooters can be ridden on private land, such as in a garden, but only if the user has the permission of the landowner to do so.
Where a rental trial scheme is running, rental e-scooters can be used on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces. But when riding a rental e-scooter, users must follow the UK’s road traffic laws. If you don’t, say the police, you could face prosecution.
“Many people may not understand the laws surrounding privately owned e-scooters, which prohibit you from using them in public areas,” said Thames Valley Inspector Mike Darrah.
“There is also a risk of severe injury, and incidents which involve a collision with an e-scooter are investigated in the same way as if riding or driving any other type of motor vehicle.
“We are already working in partnership with schools and colleges to ensure students are aware of the laws surrounding e-scooters, and I am urging parents to consider the risks if they are looking at gifting an e-scooter.”
Last month, Thames Valley Police seized 80 electric bikes – 33 of them e-scooters. And earlier this week, 10 e-bikes and e-scooters were seized in an operation carried out in Oxford.
“Whilst for many, e-scooters are a convenient way to get around, it is nevertheless illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter anywhere on public land,” warned Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley.
“Aside from the risk of injuring and concerns about the fire risks from some batteries, you risk having your e-scooter seized by the police.
“So, my message this Christmas is simple: don't buy an e-scooter as a present.”
