E-scooters: Thames Valley Police responds to claims of 'no action'

Chief Constable John Campbell was responding to criticism from a member of the public who had questioned TVP’s response to the illegal modes of transport.

E-scooters qualify as ‘powered transporters’ and must have MOT, tax, licensing and insurance.

READ MORE: Man fined after riding e-scooter for miles on busy roads across Reading

As e-scooters cannot (currently) meet these requirements, riding a privately-owned e-scooter on a public road, or another public place is a road traffic offence.

Zipp Mobility e-scooter

Mr Campbell was responding to questions during an online Thames Valley Police engagement session.

One resident asked: “Do you plan to deal with electric scooters[?]”

Referencing government plans to investigate the legalisation of e-scooters, the Chief Constable said: “I'm pleased to see the plans for more clarity over the regulations and legality of the use of private scooters.

“I do know that we have reports where people have been using e-scooters on the pavement and particularly where harm or injury has been caused, we would always look to investigate.”

Another resident probed Mr Campbell on the same topic, drawing some sharp criticism for the force.

READ MORE: I walked around town to see if e-scooters were a problem

They said: “The illegal use of E-scooters is clearly not a priority for the police as there are so many openly being used.

“The ones that are part of the official trial are also misused. Why is there no action to enforce the law on these devices?”

The Chief Constable replied: “I do know that we have reports where people have been using e-scooters on the pavement and particularly where harm or injury has been caused, we would always look to investigate.”

What happens if you ride your e-scooter in a public place?

Anyone caught doing this is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.

Charges can include driving without a valid licence and driving without insurance.

READ MORE: Police remind e-scooter riders of road laws

If found guilty, the penalty can be a fine of £300 and up to six points on your driving licence if you have one.

Your e-scooter could also be seized.

What about e-scooters you can hire legally?

In areas where government trials allow you to hire e-scooters for legal use, such as in Oxford or Buckinghamshire, riders must lease the scooters from companies with relevant motor insurance.

Riders must also be over 16, hold a full provisional driving licence, and drive them on public roads and cycle lanes but not on pavements.

Only one person can use them at any one time.