Privately owned e-scooters, sometimes called electrical scooters, are growing in popularity and use.
In the last year, there has been an explosion in the use of e-scooters with many using them to commute.
The "e-scooter" is defined as “powered transporters” by the UK Government and because of the way they are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”.
Read more: Man dies after falling off electric scooter in Llanelli
Police in Wales have said that people are "inadvertently breaking the law" by using electric scooters on roads and pavements and a fine will be issued.
Privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on roads or pavements in the UK and they can only be used on private land.
The Department for Transport has said there were 57 pedestrians, 383 riders and 21 cyclists injured in e-scooter crashes in 2020. You can read more about that here.
Due to an increase in e-scooters, here is everything you need to know about the electric vehicles with information supplied from Dyfed Powys Police.
Can e-scooters be ridden on public roads?
No – they can only be ridden on private land, with the landowner’s permission.
Can they be used on the pavement or cycle lanes?
Nope. The law says they cannot be used in public places, including roads, pavements, parks or cycle lanes.
What happens if the police stop me when I’m riding an e-scooter on a public road or land?
The scooter may be seized, and you could be liable to be prosecuted. Dyfed Powys Police say anyone considering purchasing or using an e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle paths risk being issued with a £300 fine, six penalty points on their driving license.
Why are e-scooters seen as dangerous?
E-scooters don’t have things such as number plates, signalling ability, and not always visible rear lights. Riders also don’t often have appropriate safety equipment. Other road users may be put at risk.
Am I allowed to buy one?
You are allowed to buy or sell e-scooters, and you can use them on private land (with permission).
Why don’t the police work with retailers so that customers know the law before buying?
Dyed Powys Police say they are working with retailers to explain the law. But, the buying and selling of e-scooters is allowed.
E-scooters are much greener and more efficient than some other modes of transport!
This is about the safety of e-scooter users, and other road users, including pedestrians.
Are e-scooters seen as more dangerous than pedal cycles?
E-scooters and pedal cycles are classified differently under the law. As Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (MPVs) or Personal Low Emission Vehicles (PLEVs), the law says e-scooters can’t be used on the road or any other public place.
What about electric bikes?
Dyfed Powys Police say electrically assisted pedal cycles are allowed in public places if they have pedals able to propel it, the electric motor’s power doesn’t exceed a specified limit, electrical assistance cuts out when the vehicle reaches 15.5mph, and the rider is not under 14 years old. All other electric bikes are treated the same way as e-scooters.
What about mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs?
You don’t need a licence to drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road.
Are scooters that have a maximum speed of 5mph are allowed?
E-scooters have a maximum permissible speed of 15.5mph. There is nothing in legislation permitting the use of e-scooters limited to 5mph on a road or public place.
What happens if my child is stopped while riding an e-scooter, would I be prosecuted?
You could be liable to prosecution for allowing a child to ride otherwise than in accordance with a licence, or with no insurance.
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