A teenager faces a criminal record after failing to stop for police whilst riding an electric scooter in Westbury today.
Wiltshire Police says the youth is “being dealt with” for the offence of failing to stop and their e-scooter has been seized.
The force is reminding residents that e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles and are not legal to ride on public places for various reasons.
“We are hoping to combat some of the myths about where you can and can’t ride e-scooters”, a spokesperson said.
Adding: “While e-scooters are legally available to purchase, it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK. This includes roads, pavements, parks, town centres or promenades. The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land.
“This is because e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles. As such, if they are used on a road, pavement or public place they are subject to the same legal requirements as any motor vehicle.”
Following the stop in Westbusy today, officers want residents – especially young people – to be aware that someone caught using an e-scooter illegally faces a fine, penalty points on your driving licence or even the loss of your licence.
If you use e-scooters dangerously or while under the influence of drink or drugs then you could be convicted of offences which could lead to a prison sentence.
Offences relating to the standard of driving or speeding also apply and police have the power to seize e-scooters if offences have been committed.
“We understand that e-scooters are very tempting presents, but we would urge people to fully understand the law first. Some people are purchasing e-scooters in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads, this is not the case”, the force spokesperson continued.
“Our focus is engaging with members of the community and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters.
“Offenders who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately, whereby the e-scooter will be seized and the rider reported for any offences.”
