By Isle of Wight Observer
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police are urging parents and others to think twice before purchasing e-scooters as Christmas presents, warning the gift could lead to legal problems and safety risks.
Sgt Radford explained: “Many e-scooters available on-line and in stores don’t make it clear where they can legally be used. Under current UK law, e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), meaning they require a driving licence, insurance, tax, and an MOT — requirements most people cannot meet.”
The law currently restricts the use of privately-owned e-scooters to private property. Riding them on public roads, pavements, or car parks is illegal, and doing so could result in the e-scooter being seized, alongside fines and potential driving licence points for having no insurance. Sgt Radford added: “Driving without insurance alone is an offence that holds a penalty of six points on your licence and a £300 fine.
“Using them on pavements or in the wrong direction on roads endangers pedestrians and other road users. Accidents happen, and if someone is injured, you could face both criminal and civil court cases.”
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs), such as e-bikes, are legally permitted on public roads for those aged 14 and over.
“We don’t want to see preventable incidents, especially involving children,” Sgt Radford emphasised. “Please consider the risks and the law before buying an e-scooter this festive season. We do seize them and there have been convictions on the Island.”
Hired e-scooters available on the Island remain part of a government trial, and are legal for use under strict guidelines.
