PCC welcomes Lincolnshire Police's warnings about e-scooters
Warnings about electric scooters issued by Lincolnshire Police have been welcomed by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Lincolnshire Police has issued guidance to parents thinking of buying e-scooters this Christmas for their children – reminding them they are not legal on UK roads and pavements.
The penalties for using an e-scooter illegally include a fixed penalty notice, a fine of up to £300, up to six penalty points and seizure of the e-scooter.
In Lincolnshire, the only place you can legally use an e-scooter is on private land, with the permission of the land owner.
The warning comes in the wake of advice from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue following safety concerns about the charging and storage of batteries.
PCC Marc Jones said he had pressed the police to make a statement after lots of comments from residents.
“These scooters can be a menace for pedestrians, road users and residents and I’ve been approached a number of times by people concerned about them being used in villages and towns around the county.
“I’m sure many parents do not understand the law or are aware of the safety concerns around these scooters.
“I am delighted the force has taken on board the issue I have raised and issued clear guidance in the run up to Christmas.”
Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters”; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
Inspector Jason Baxter said, “Our approach to this will be to engage and educate. When that fails, we will enforce. We know that e-scooters are probably on Christmas lists this year, and may be tempting in the January sales, we just want people to think twice before buying a product that’s so limited in where you can legally use it.”