E-scooters and the law

If you’re thinking about buying an e-scooter, make sure you know how – and where – to ride it safely.

While it’s legal to buy and own an e-scooter, you can only legally ride a privately owned one on private land, with the landowner’s permission.

This means it is against the law to ride, or to allow your child to ride, an e-scooter anywhere on the roads, pavements, cycle tracks and parks, or to school.

If a child is stopped by the Police, and they suspect a parent or carer has purchased the e-scooter for them and allowed its use on the highway, the parent may be investigated for causing or permitting a traffic offence.

Riding an e-scooter illegally can result in a £300 fine, penalty points, and in some cases prosecution. It is also likely that the e-scooter will be seized.

Find out more about the law and the penalties for riding an e-scooter illegally: Advice on e-scooter usage | Police.uk

E-scooters and fire safety

As well as the legal implications of using e-scooters, there are also important safety factors to be considered.

Ian Read, Head of Prevent and Protect at Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Aside from the legal implications of riding e-scooters, they also pose a significant fire safety risk due to the lithium-ion batteries that are used to power them.

“These types of batteries are becoming commonplace in homes across the UK and can spread a fire rapidly if they ignite and explode.

“Their risk increases significantly if they are not charged using the manufacturer’s recommended supply, if they are left on while unoccupied or if the device becomes faulty through general wear and tear.

“I’d urge people not to consider buying these and to help us keep homes safe from extra fire hazards.”

Find out more about the fire risks of lithium ion batteries.