Wokingham Borough Council recently shared some information regarding the law around electric scooters, following an increase in complaints around the misuse of these vehicles across the borough.
Legislation
It is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter in public spaces, including on the road. Those who are found to be riding privately owned e-scooters in public risk receiving a large fine, points on their driving licence and seizure of their e-scooter.
Parents who are thinking of buying their child an e-scooter for Christmas need to be aware of the legislation around them as it may be seized if your child is riding it on the pavement or road.
Officers regularly receive complaints from members of the public around the misuse of these vehicles, due to riders driving carelessly and at excessive speeds. This causes significant risks to both the rider and pedestrians, as well as others using roads or footpaths.
Fire risks
There are also issues surrounding the fire risk from the lithium batteries used to power e-bikes and e-scooters that owners need to be aware of – 199 fires resulting in 10 fatalities were reported in 2023.
