As the new school term starts, we would like to remind parents and carers that it is against the law for them to allow their child to ride an e-scooter or e-bike to school, or anywhere on the roads, pavements, cycle tracks or parks.

Private e-scooters and certain e-bikes* are illegal to ride on public highways.  If a child is stopped by the Police and there is suspicion that a parent or carer has purchased an e-scooter or e-bike for them and allowed its use on the highway, the parent may be investigated for causing or permitting a traffic offence. This can result in a £300 fine, penalty points, and in some cases prosecution. It is also likely that the e-scooter/e-bike will be seized.

It is important to also note e-bikes and e-scooters can be hired through government-approved operator such as Lime and Forest.  Laws for these state they can only be used by people aged 18 and in the case of hired scooters they must hold a valid driving licence.  These operators are subject to strict safety and insurance measures and it is forbidden to hire a e-scooter or e-bike on anyone else’s behalf.  

Unfortunately, experience shows that private e-scooters and e-bikes have real risks to a child’s safety.  Children who use e-scooters / e-bikes have limited road safety awareness and skills, do not know the Highway Code, and are not trained to anticipate the behaviour of other road users or in hazard perception.  They are unlikely to wear helmets, use lights, or indicate their intentions, which makes them particularly vulnerable.  Even at speeds below 15mph, collisions can cause serious harm, both to the rider and to others. As a parent you will be responsible if your child injures someone else.