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Increase in E-scooter use could bring fines

Thursday, 28 January 2021 08:58

Local residents who use electric scooters on public roads are warned they face prosecution as at present they are not legal for use on roads.

There has been in increase in the number of people using electronic scooters on public roads and thoroughfares in the Lancaster, Morecambe & Carnforth district recently. Whilst it's not illegal to own an electric scooter, it is illegal to use them on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas. The reason for this is that electric scooters are currently classed as 'powered transporters' by the government and as such fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles. This makes their use on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas illegal straightaway. Use on public roads would only be legal if electric scooters could meet the same requirements as motor vehicles in terms of insurance, tax, license, and registration, which at present they can’t.

In 2020 the government set up a number of trial areas in the UK where the use of rented electric scooters is allowed, these are the only areas where their use on roads is permitted. There are no locations in North Lancashire included in the trial.

Local police are reminding any residents who use electric scooters on the road network in the district that they face potential prosecution and a fine if caught.

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