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Evening all,
Over the last week we have seen an increase in reports of young people riding around the Horndean area on e-scooters including riding on pavements, in the local parks, being abusive towards pedestrians and generally acting in an anti-social manner.
While e-scooters have become increasingly popular, there are many people out there that are unaware that privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle paths or in other public spaces.
An e-scooter is a personal transport device powered by an electric motor. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e-scooters are legally classified as motor vehicles, meaning they are subject to the same strict legal frameworks as cars or motorbikes, including licensing and insurance requirements.
The Law on Privately Owned E-Scooters
It is currently illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter in public spaces across the UK.
• Prohibited Areas: You cannot ride a private e-scooter on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, bridleways, or pedestrianised zones.
• Where They Can Be Used: Private e-scooters can only be legally ridden on private land, provided you have explicit permission from the landowner.
• Why They Fail Legal Requirements: Because they are motor vehicles, they require registration, taxing, and insurance. However, privately owned e-scooters do not currently meet the necessary manufacturing specifications to be legally insured or registered for public road use.
The Legal Alternative: Authorised Rental Schemes
The only way to legally ride an e-scooter in a public space is through an authorised Government rental trial scheme. These approved rental e-scooters are fitted with specific safety features and carry the necessary insurance. To use them legally, riders must:
• Be of the required age (usually 16 or older).
• Hold a valid driving licence (category Q, or a full/provisional category AM, A, or B licence).
• Operate them strictly within the designated trial geographic boundaries.
Penalties and the "Cause or Permit" Offence
Riding a private e-scooter illegally carries severe legal penalties. If caught, riders can face fines, penalty points on their driving licence, and vehicle seizure. Crucially, this law extends to parents, grandparents and guardians who purchase these devices and permit or encourage young people to ride them can be prosecuted under the "cause or permit" offence. The adult can be prosecuted. Consequences can include monetary fines and penalty points added directly to the parents, or guardians driving license. 
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