Police issues warning letter to Bristol schools over children riding e-scooters

Avon & Somerset Police have sent a letter to schools in Bristol warning against children using e-scooters. 

In the letter, chief inspector Larisa Hunt reminds parents and carers that people must be 18 to use e-scooters and that private scooters are not allowed.  

She also writes that private e-scooters could be seized and that children could be prosecuted for riding one.   

Here is the letter in full: 

“As we go into the festive period, we would like to remind you about the law regarding electric scooters. It has become apparent that some young people have already acquired or are in the process of acquiring electric scooters for their own use.  

“The only electric scooters that can only be used on public roads are those that are hired as part of the government-backed trials. We would also remind you that to use these trial scooters you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full or provisional driving licence. Private e-scooters can only be used on private land (with the landowner's permission) and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.

“Electric scooters are classed as powered transporters and fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1998. This means that the same rules that apply to motor vehicles, apply to e-scooters. This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Driving with a licence
• Driving/riding with insurance
• Driving/riding other than on a road

“It is not currently possible to get appropriate insurance for privately owned e-scooters meaning that it is illegal to use them on roads or public spaces. If a child or adult is found riding a private e-scooter on a public road or land the scooter may be seized, and the person, including children could be liable for prosecution for driving without insurance.

"If the child or adult doesn't hold a provisional or full licence and is stopped riding an e-scooter, they could be prosecuted for driving other than in accordance than with a licence, as well as having no insurance, penalty points can still be issued where a licence isn't held. These points would take effect when the child or person applies for a driving licence.

“Our aim is to keep children safe and out of the criminal justice system. We want to keep you informed so that we can work together to do this.” 

In Bristol, Berlin company Tier has run the city’s e-scooter trial since the end of October.

But the company has been criticised for a slow rollout of e-scooters, with it deploying 500 more vehicles across the city’s streets yesterday (November 27) to address availability issues.