E-scooters: A reminder about the law

Officers are reminding people that the use of electric scooters and hoverboards is illegal on public roads - except those that are part of an official Government trial - following some recent isolated incidents in West Mercia.

Though you can lawfully buy an e-scooter, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas unless part of an approved trial, like the one currently taking place in Redditch.

Therefore, unless part of this loan scheme e-scooters and hoverboards can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Members of the public are reminded that e-scooters are currently classed as Powered Transporters by the Government and fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles in terms of requiring insurance, tax, MOT, licence, and registration.

Anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police.

Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, are not legal for road use and cannot be ridden on the pavement as this would be an offence under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835.

More information can be found at Powered transporters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

JI, Corporate Communications