As Milton Keynes continues to be a pioneer in e-scooter travel, our Chief Services Officer John Roberts warns that users face hefty fines, penalty points on their driving licence and even prosecution.
With the popular mode of transport seeing a sharp rise in users of all ages, experts warn that people could risk hefty fines if they don’t follow the rules.
John Roberts, our Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support, said: “E-scooters are legally classed as ‘powered transporters’, and riding them on any public highway, bridleway or pathway is illegal.
“Many councils are taking e-scooter misuse very seriously as it could impact the safety of both the rider and the general public.”
Many councils across England have also brought in PSPOs (Public Spaces Protection Orders) that may limit the use of e-scooters in additional areas.
Councils can use these orders to limit e-scooter usage in town or city centres, high streets, on certain roads or in parks and green spaces. If you are caught riding an e-scooter somewhere with an PSPO in place, you could risk a fine of up to £100 depending on the council.
“Breaching a PSPO is considered a criminal offence,” says John. “As the owner of an e-scooter, it is your responsibility to check where you can ride your scooter, as well as ensuring you are being safe and sticking to speed limits.”
The police can seize e-scooters that are being used illegally, and riders can receive warnings, penalty points on their current and future driving licenses or prosecution. It could also affect someone’s ability to get a full driving license before they have even started driving.
E-scooters can be privately owned or rented through a rental company, but both can risk fines if the rider doesn’t follow the rules. To rent an e-scooter, you must be over the age of 16 and holding a provisional or full driving license and insurance.
Privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to use on roads and in public spaces in the UK. They can only be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
John added: “While e-bikes and e-scooters can be a sustainable way to travel, doing so irresponsibly is very dangerous and PSPOs are then brought in to protect residents from anyone riding scooters in an anti-social manner.”