North Yorkshire Police say they taking a proactive approach to enforcing e-scooter regulations and addressing concerns about their use on the county's roads and pavements.
E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means they are subject to the same regulations as cars and motorcycles, including licensing and insurance requirements. However, because it’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, using them on public roads or in public spaces like parks and pavements is illegal.
Chief Constable - Tim Forber - says they are not children's toys.
The only legal way to use an e-scooter in public is through an authorized rental scheme. These schemes are currently being trialled in certain areas of the UK. Riders must hold the appropriate driving licence, have insurance provided by the rental company, and meet any age restrictions. Outside of these trials, anyone found riding a privately owned e-scooter on public roads or spaces in North Yorkshire risks having their vehicle seized and facing prosecution.
Chief Constable Forber says there are currently no rental schemes operating in North Yorkshire.
Penalties for illegal e-scooter use can be significant. These can include:
- £300 fine and six penalty points for riding without insurance.
- £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence.
- £50 fine for riding on the pavement.
- £200 fine and six penalty points for using a mobile phone while riding.
- £100 fine and possible penalty points for riding through red lights.
The same penalties as driving a car under the influence of alcohol apply to e-scooter riders, including potential court-imposed fines, a driving ban, and imprisonment.
North Yorkshire Police have a dedicated e-scooter specialist officer who is providing training to officers across the force. They are also working with partners to address the sale of e-scooters and educate the public about the legal implications of their use.
Chief Constable Forber emphasized the police force's commitment to addressing illegal e-scooter use. "We do take this seriously. If people are the victim of antisocial behavior, we do want to know about it," he stated. He encouraged the public to report any incidents, providing descriptions of the rider and e-scooter. This information can be used to identify offenders through CCTV footage and take appropriate action.
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