Public warned of dangers of e-scooters

Officers are warning the public of the dangers of e-scooters after more than 20 collisions involving the vehicles were reported in Staffordshire the last three years.

Currently, e-scooters are legally available to purchase.

However, since 2019, the number of reported collisions involving e-scooters in the Staffordshire region has increased considerably - with only one incident reported that year and one in 2020, to 19 in 2021.

Out of these 19 collisions, four of them involved pedestrians.

The remaining collisions involved cars, with two others involving vans.

Police are advising people, particularly those who may have received an e-scooter as a gift over the festive period, to be aware that it is currently illegal to use a privately-owned scooter in a public place.

This includes pavements, roads, parks, canal towpaths and within town centres. The only place a privately-owned e-scooter can be used is on private land, with the land owner’s permission.

Anyone who is found to be using an e-scooter in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.

PCSO Christopher Neal, of South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: Riders who are caught illegally riding their e-scooter face the scooter being seized, a £300 fine and six points on their driving licence.

“If the rider does not have a valid provisional or full driving licence they will be fined a further £100 receive an additional three points.”

Users of e-scooters should also always wear a helmet and fluorescent clothing if travelling in dark or bad-visibility areas.

For more information on the use of e-scooters, visit: our website.

To find out more about the law around e-scooters, visit: Powered transporters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).