South Yorkshire Police have seized six electric scooters and two electric bikes during an operation targeting illegal vehicles in Doncaster city center.
Officers from the roads policing team and Doncaster Central neighborhood team carried out the operation, encountering riders who were using electric vehicles illegally in public places.
Police said the excuses they heard from riders included, “It’s my mobility scooter” and “everyone’s using them so it’s OK.”
Police reminded riders that privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, cycle lanes or sidewalks. They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
What Does the Law Say?
For our American readership, under current UK law, privately owned e-scooters are classified as powered transporters and fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle.
This means they are subject to requirements including licensing, insurance and vehicle regulations. Unlike rental e-scooters used as part of government-approved trials, privately owned e-scooters cannot currently be legally used on public roads or other public areas.
Simply owning an e-scooter is not illegal, but using a privately owned one in a public place can result in enforcement action.
Electric bikes are treated differently in the UK, provided they meet the requirements for an electrically assisted pedal cycle, or EAPC. They must have pedals that can propel the bike, display the power output and maximum assisted speed, and the electric assistance must cut out when the bike reaches 15.5 mph.
Warning Over E-Scooter and E-Bike Dangers
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings reminded South Yorkshire residents: “Electric scooters cannot be ridden on a public road, cycle lane or pavement (sidewalk). They can only be legally ridden on private land and where you have the landowner’s permission.
“This is because e-scooters are classed as powered transporters and so fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle.”
Officers revealed they found children riding e-scooters during the operation, prompting a warning to parents about the risks involved.
Inspector Collings said children had suffered serious injuries after being involved in collisions involving e-scooters. He urged parents to understand the law and consider the potential dangers when thinking about buying an e-scooter as a Christmas present.
Riders Dealt With for Offenses
Those stopped during the operation were dealt with for various offenses, including riding without a license and without insurance. One rider was also found to be in possession of a bladed article.
Police said the operation forms part of efforts to tackle the illegal and potentially dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes in Doncaster city center.
Officers are urging riders to familiarize themselves with the rules before using electric vehicles in public and are reminding parents to consider both the legal requirements and safety risks before buying e-scooters for children.
Safety is paramount, particularly around pedestrians and other road users. Understanding the law, wearing appropriate protection and riding responsibly can help prevent serious injuries.