Travel Safe Bucks has launched its latest social media campaign to raise awareness of the law on privately owned electric scooters – which are illegal for use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements.
Under government regulations, e-scooters are classed as ‘powered transporters’ – a term used to cover a variety of novel and emerging personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
While trials of rental e-scooter schemes were made legal by the Government in July 2020 – and have since been launched in Aylesbury and High Wycombe in November 2020 – the laws on private e-scooters have remain unchanged. This means anyone who uses a privately owned e-scooter on a public road or other prohibited space is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.
The potential penalties depend on the nature and gravity of the offence, ranging from a fine and penalty points to disqualification from driving. The e-scooter could also be impounded.People using e-scooters dangerously or while under the influence of drink or drugs can also be convicted of offences which could lead to imprisonment. It is only legal to use a privately owned e-scooter on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
The new campaign launched by Travel Safe Bucks is running across Facebook and Twitter and will be running throughout March and into April and is supported by the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit.
To find out more visit Buckinghamshire Council.
