E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
This means that rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
It is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces.
Anyone who uses a private e-scooter risks the vehicle being seized for no insurance.
If someone causes serious harm to another person while riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if they were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Legal use of an e-scooter
It is legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.
Where a trial rental scheme is running, it’s legal to use a rental e-scooter on a public road or cycle lane, provided you have the correct licence and follow road traffic regulations.
E-scooters can only be used in approved areas.
The above information comes from a neighbourhood alert sent out by Gloucestershire police.
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