We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.

However the current law is clear You can buy one but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement. The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land. Why is this?

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as: MOT, Licensing, Tax and Insurance .

What happens if I am stopped by Police?

Some e-scooters have exceptions to this as part of the government trial but this does not extend to any personal e-scooters.

Section 59 of the police reform act allows police to issue a warning if a vehicle is being used in a manner which may cause alarm, distress or annoyance.

Being issued with this warning does not stop the e-scooter being seized.

Police can seize any private scooter if they are being used on a public road or footpath and the rider may also be liable for prosecution for traffic offences.

For more information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team or visit: www.derbyshire.police.uk