Police warning over early Christmas present of e-Scooters

Christmas is around the corner, and police are warning Santa’s little helpers trying to get ahead they need to be aware of the rules around e-scooters.

The two-wheeled transport could well be on the wish lists of many in the run up to December 25, but Thames Valley Police is reminding people that it is illegal to ride most such vehicles in public.

Privately owned e-scooters can only be ridden on privately owned land. They cannot be ridden on pavements or other public spaces.

In law, they are classed as motor vehicles, and need to have an MoT, tax and insurance – but it is not currently possible to do so.

Anyone caught could be given a fine, points on a driving licence and see the transport seized.

Those who don’t have a licence could be issued with a temporary one to allow the points to be added.

Thames Valley Police says it recognises that e-scooters are a popular mode of transport among young people, but they have significant safety risks, can reach high speeds and have been involved accidents which have led to serious injuries.

The lack of protective gear further exacerbates the risk of injury.

The force also said that several neighbourhood priorities surveys in West Berkshire highlighted e-scooters as an issue, so a clampdown will be a focus for its teams.