Rutland parents warned about buying children e-scooters this Christmas
People are being reminded they can only be used on private land
In the run up to Christmas the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership is reminding people that buying an e-scooter as a gift will be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.
However, the law is clear, you can buy one but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement. The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.
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
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership said:
“We understand the public’s support for environmentally friendly modes of transport. We want to work with the public to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.”
“The UK Government is currently taking part in ‘Future Transport Zone’ trials for e-scooter hire, with a view to making them legal to use on the roads.”
“All local authorities can apply to take part, but at the moment, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are not part of the trials.”
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act allows police to give road users a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance.
Leicestershire Police also have the powers to seize vehicles - please make sure you keep your e-scooter on private land so this doesn’t happen to you.