Police are warning e-scooter riders not to ride on public roads. A five-year old boy has suffered multiple injuries from being struck by an e-scooter and could face prosecution.
Humberside Police claim that the boy was hit by an electric scooter, which was being used by a male in a pedestrian zone in Victoria Street in Grimsby.
Humberside Police spokesperson said that while he’s now in recovery at home, the victim sustained serious injuries to his head and legs which necessitated hospital treatment.
As well as having their e-scooter seized, people can get a £300 fine and six penalty points for not having valid insurance.
There could also be a £100 fine and three to six points for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Five-year-old Boy needed medical attention after being hit by an escooter. It was reported that he had been riding it by a Grimsby male on Monday.
You could also be penalized for riding on the footpath or using your mobile phone while riding, driving under red lights, and riding in any other way than required.
Humberside Police reported that this young man was severely shaken by the incident and they want to protect others from such injuries.
“Parents: If you bought an electronic scooter for your child this Christmas, make sure it is within the laws.
“Privately-owned scooters can only be used on private property with permission.
“It’s illegal to use an privately owned electric scooter on roads, cycles paths, or pavements.”
‘Privately owned scooters are restricted for use solely on private land with the permission of the land owned’, warned Humberside Police
E-scooters can be classified as powered vehicles. This means that they must follow the same rules as motor vehicles.
However, it’s not currently possible to tax or insure e-scooters for use on roads.
Michael Hodder (Chief Inspector for Sussex Police) stated: “E-scooters become more broadly available to buy, although it is illegal in public to ride an privately bought escooter, but they are legal to purchase.
Many people could have given one to a loved one at Christmas.
“Riders” are subject to all the laws that a motorist must follow to legally drive on the roads. This includes the need for a valid license, insurance and registration plates, as well as the obligation to register.
“E-scooters” are illegal as there is no law to tax, register or insure them.
Under section 165, the Road Traffic Act gives police the authority to seize cars.
There are numerous trials across the country, which aim to provide further insight on the health and environmental benefits of electric scooters.
Chief Inspector Hodder stated that at the moment, there are not any areas of Sussex participating in these trials. E-scooters also remain illegal to be used on public roads.
“Please make sure that your e-scooter is kept on private land and only with owner permission. This will ensure you don’t get hurt.”
You can hire e-scooters as part of the government-backed trials that are held in over 50 cities and towns across the nation.
These devices only allow you to legally ride on roads.
The government recommends that helmets be worn, but hasn’t made it mandatory for all motor vehicle users.
The use of e-scooters owned privately is strictly prohibited.