Police Scotland issue e-scooter Christmas warning

The speedy scooters are not toys, say officers

Author: Rob WallerPublished 10th Dec 2021
Last updated 10th Dec 2021

Police Scotland is attempted to bust myths around the use of e-scooters before someone who finds one under their Christmas tree ends up on the wrong side of the law.

Sales of e-scooters have rocketed and the most he most powerful can reach up to 68 mph (110 km/h) but there are strict legal limits on where you can ride them.

E-scooter facts

  • It is against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK.
  • This includes roads, pavements, parks, town centres or promenades.
  • The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land with the agreement of the land owner.#
  • E-scooters are currently classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles.
  • Riders require insurance and a valid driving licence.

Not toys

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, Deputy Head of Road Policing, Police Scotland said: “We understand that e-scooters are a tempting option for Christmas presents this year.

It is important however, to make it clear, these are not toys and they are illegal to use in public. If an e-scooter is on your Christmas wish list, make sure you know how and where to use them safely."

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