We've recently been made aware of local youths in the village using E-scooters & E-bikes on the highway resulting in a couple of near misses with vehicles & residents. Staffordshire Police would like to remind local residents of the laws around these type of vehicles.

What is the law if you have an e-scooter?
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 with the landowner's permission.

Why is this?

E-scooters are classified as Powered Transporters, so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements

such as:

• MOT

• Licensing

• Tax

• Insurance

As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.

What happens if you are stopped?

We understand the public’s support for environmentally friendly modes of transport. We want to work with the public to make sure the roads are safe for everyone. E-scooters are subject to the rules and regulations outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1988. There have been prosecutions in Staffordshire of e-scooter riders in relation to dangerous driving and other offences resulting in their disqualification.

What is a section 59?

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act allows police to give road users a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance. Staffordshire Police also have the powers to seize vehicles. Please make sure you keep your e-scooter on private land so this doesn’t happen to you.