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Good morning Resident,
Last night, officers from the Ashton Hurst Neighbourhood Team seized an illegal EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) on Oldham Road after observing the rider fail to stop at a red traffic light. Later in the evening, officers seized an illegal e-scooter near Holden Clough School on St Albans Avenue after the teenage rider initially failed to stop when directed to do so by police. The team also seized a mini off-road bike that was located at the bottom of St Albans Avenue.
We would like to re-emphasise an important message to parents and guardians who know their children are riding e-scooters or electric motorbikes. E-scooters are illegal to use on public roads and pavementsE-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. As such, the same legal requirements that apply to other motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need for the appropriate driving licence and insurance. Common excuses such as: "They're just kids.""We didn't know they were illegal.""We see people riding them all the time.""I was only going to the shop."are not valid legal defences.
Potential consequences
If you breach the law while using an e-scooter or electric motorbike, you may face: A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)Seizure of the vehicle (Section 165A Road Traffic Act 1988)Disposal of the vehiclePenalty points and finesProsecution through the courtsEnforcement may vary between police forces; however, offences commonly attract penalties such as: £300 fine and six penalty points for using a motor vehicle without insurance.£100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the appropriate licence.You may also commit offences by: Riding on a pavement, which can result in an FPN and a possible £50 fine.Using a mobile phone or handheld device whilst riding, which may result in a £200 fine and six penalty points.Failing to comply with traffic signals, including riding through a red light, which can result in a £100 fine and possible penalty points.Riding whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which carries similar penalties to drink or drug driving a car, including court-imposed fines, driving disqualification and possible imprisonment.Anti-social useIf an e-scooter or electric motorbike is being used in a manner that causes alarm, distress, annoyance or danger to members of the public, it may be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
Failure to stop for police
Failure to stop when required by a police constable is a criminal offence under Section 163 Road Traffic Act 1988 Drivers and riders are legally required to stop their vehicle when directed to do so by a constable in uniform. Failure to comply may result in prosecution and other legal consequences. Remember, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles and are therefore subject to road traffic legislation in the same way as any other motor vehicle. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the legal implications and potential safety risks associated with the use of e-scooters, electric motorbikes and other illegal vehicles on public roads and pavements.
Department for Transport figures show that in 2024 there were 1,390 casualties in collisions involving e-scooters across Great Britain, including 444 serious injuries and 6 fatalities. These figures highlight the significant risks associated with the illegal and unsafe use of e-scooters on our roads and pavements.
Reported road casualties Great Britain: e-Scooter factsheet 2024 - GOV.UK
The Ashton Hurst Neighbourhood Team will continue to take positive action against those who use these vehicles illegally and in a manner that puts themselves and others at risk.
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