Use of e-scooters and e-bikes

Dear Resident,

Kent Police use a range of strategies to tackle the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, including both education and enforcement. As part of this, we would like to highlight the risks to both you and your child.

E-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads and paths in Kent. They are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance. For more information, please see: Advice on e-scooter usage | Kent Police.

There are also rules regarding what constitutes an “electrically assisted pedal cycle” (EAPC). If your or your child’s bike does not comply with these rules, it must be registered, taxed, and insured as it becomes a “motor vehicle,” much like any other motorcycle. For more information, please see: Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK.

E-scooter riders under 17 years old will be treated the same as adults. This means that if a young rider is prosecuted for no insurance, the 6 penalty points endorsement will be held on a ‘ghost’ licence by the DVLA. When the teenager reaches the legal age to apply for their driving licence, the points are added, and they could be instantly disqualified from driving. The points are ‘spent’ after 3 years, and they can then reapply for a licence. However, this could have a significant impact on their insurance for years to come.

When an officer comes across an e-scooter being used incorrectly, they first seek to educate the rider and encourage them to adhere to the legislation. They also have the option to seize the e-scooter, for example, if the rider refuses to follow advice or is seen using the vehicle in a dangerous or antisocial manner. It is likely that the scooter would then be crushed.

There is a long list of offences that could be committed by e-scooter riders. These include:

All of these can be considered by the police, but that’s not all. If they are involved in a collision whilst riding an e-scooter, they must comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988, which defines an e-scooter as a motor vehicle. This means they must stop and exchange details if property has been damaged and report it to the police if someone has been injured. Failure to do so could result in the rider being arrested.

There are also consequences for the parents.

It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres. If an e-scooter is involved in a collision, the rider could face a large compensation and legal bill in addition to any criminal proceedings. If the rider is a juvenile, these costs could be passed on to parents or guardians to pay.

If you have any comments or concerns about the use of e-scooters or e-bikes, please get in touch with the Canterbury Community Safety Unit at csu.canterbury@kent.police.uk.

Kind regards,

Ben