Electric scooter riders get police warnings in town crackdown

Thames Valley Police issued stern advice after becoming aware of an increased use of electric scooters around Aylesbury.

They are actually illegal, and are not permitted for use anywhere other than on private land.

Riders of these scooters can be stopped by the Police and prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 1988 for using a motor vehicle without insurance which carries a penalty of up to 6 points on their driving license and/or a £300 fine. The scooter may also be seized.

Police said: "Electric Scooters fall under the category of a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle (MPV) in which by law requires the owner/rider to have the scooter officially registered with the DVLA, MOT’d, taxed and insured, of which you can’t do any of these things with a scooter as they don’t meet the required safety standards for permitted use on UK roads, or pavements.

"We are aware that the Government are reviewing the current legislation as Electric Scooters are “green” (emission free) vehicles, however that change has not yet been passed in law."

Police have asked that residents who know anybody who may be using an electric scooter to please let them know the law.

Scooters are not illegal to buy, own or sell, they just cannot be used on roads or pavements.