Parents are being urged by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner not to buy electric scooters for their children this Christmas.
It is legal to buy an e-scooter in the UK, however, insurance is required and it is not currently possible to get insurance for these devices. This means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
In contrast to privately owned e-scooters, the official rental schemes are regulated and subject to controlled use in the local area hosting the trials. In order to use a rental electric scooter, riders must hold a provisional or full driver’s license with the rental company insuring the scooter.
PCC Donna Jones has said:
“As Police Commissioner, it is my priority to ensure the safety and security of our communities. Too often we see people on privately-owned e-scooters riding dangerously on roads and pavements, breaking the law, being involved in anti-social behaviour, and putting other road users and pedestrians at risk.
“If you buy your child an e-scooter, you are encouraging them to break the law and putting them at risk.”
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, e-scooter data reveals there have been 2 fatalities and 20 serious injuries dating back to 2021. The following year there were 33 serious injuries and in 2023 a total of 28 serious injuries. January to April this year saw a total of 14 serious injuries.
Nationally, there were 1,292 collisions involving e-scooters last year and 6 fatalities.
In February this year, the Police Commissioner Donna Jones signed a contract to enable Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to enhance its powers and use existing legislation giving them the option to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle that is being used in crime as part of Operation Crush.
Inspector Andy Tester of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“Privately owned, powered, two-wheeled vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road electric motorcycles are not road legal. If these are used in public places, they could be seized, destroyed and you could receive a fine and points on your licence.
“If you are thinking of buying one for a loved one this Christmas, consider the implications for them if they are stopped by the police – please first read our advice online at Advice on e-scooter usage | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.”
From January to November this year, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary seized 111 e-scooters and 16 e-bikes. In the same period last year, the force seized 26 e-scooters and 1 e-bike.
PCC Donna Jones added:
“I understand the point being made that e-scooters can be space savers on our busy roads however there is a lack of guidance on the illegality of operating a privately owned e-scooter.
“If you use a privately owned e-scooter in public, you risk it being seized for having no insurance. If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter, the incident will be investigated in the same it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
“This Christmas, I am urging people to think twice before purchasing an e-scooter. We must do everything we can to ensure safety on our roads and in our public spaces.”
In recent weeks, the Government has announced that they will legalise the use of private e-scooters in the UK in the coming years acknowledging that introducing regulations is ‘clearly necessary’.
‘the official rental schemes are regulated and subject to controlled use’
Is that why there’s so many parked around school sites?
Who knew that so many children had passed their driving tests and held licences.
This is a joke DO not listen to the police.
cyclist stats 2023
mobility scooters –
In 2023, there was a record number of deaths and injuries involving mobility scooters, prompting calls for stricter safety regulations:
if you put humans on wheels there will be accidents and disgruntled pedestrians, so e-scooters shouldn’t be treated any differently to other transport that doesn’t require insurance or a licence.
it’s a great way to get around, it’s green and it saved parents money.
Beachfield Road Sandown tonight just like any
other night, vehicles speeding 50mph +
NO TRAFFIC LAW AND ORDER ALONG BEACHFIELD ROAD
SANDOWN!
Makes me laugh when I read about so called rules,
there is no one to police them.
Who will police it!
It is illegal to park on Double Yellow Lines
NO ONE DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT
Also if I had a pound everytime a vehicle does not
use their indicators I would be rich.
IT IS GREAT HAVING LAWS, BUT NO ONE POLICES THEM
CCTV islandwide is the only answer.
I hope that “As Police Commissioner” was a misquote as I am sure that Ms Jones knows that there is a vast difference from being a Police and Crime Commissioner and a Police Commissioner. A Commissioner is a rank equivalent to Chief Constable in some police Forces, such as the Met whereas a Police and Crime Commissioner is an elected position responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account but not in charge of the Force and not a member of the Force.