Electric scooters: Know the law or risk police action

Article date: 19 June 2025

"While the law is clear, many parents and young people don't realise that privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to use on roads and in public spaces," said Councillor Trisha Long, Chair of the Safer St Helens Community Safety Partnership.

There are two types of e-scooter use and each has different legal rules:

• Privately owned e-scooters: These cannot be legally used on public roads, pavements, parks, or shopping areas. They are only legal to use on private land with the landowner's permission.

• Rental e-scooters: Available in some areas like Liverpool, these can be legally used on public roads and certain cycle lanes — but only if you follow the Highway Code and road traffic laws.

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means they require a driving licence and insurance — but since insurance isn't available for private e-scooters, using one in public is automatically illegal.

Cllr Long, who also serves as St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

"It's understandable that people assume they can use their own e-scooters in parks or on roads, especially when rental ones are allowed in certain places. But the law is clear, and being unaware of it is not a valid excuse. Whether you drive, cycle or scoot, it's your responsibility to understand the rules."

Chief Inspector Jon Smith of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at St Helens said: "Rental operators must comply with insurance and licensing requirements — this is why the scheme in Liverpool city centre is able to provide e-scooters for use on public roads.

"These laws protect road users and pedestrians, and with the continued support of our community partners, we're working to ensure St Helens remains somewhere residents and visitors can enjoy without e-scooters becoming a nuisance. Where e-scooters cause disruption to our community, we will take appropriate enforcement action."

What happens if you break the rules?

If you ride an e-scooter illegally, you may face seizure of the scooter under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 or a fixed penalty notices, including:

• £300 fine and 6 penalty points for riding without insurance

• £100 fine and 3-6 penalty points for riding without a valid licence

• £50 fine for riding on pavements

• £200 fine and 6 penalty points for using a mobile phone while riding

• £100 fine and possible penalty points for running a red light

• Drink-driving penalties equal to those for car drivers — including court action, fines, bans, or prison

​​​​​​​You could also have your e-scooter seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act for riding in an antisocial manner.

When riding any e-scooter, always keep to the speed limit and consider wearing safety gear like a helmet.

For more advice regarding the use of e-scooters, visit the Merseyside Police website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/