Police urge parents to think twice before buying e-scooters as Christmas gifts
Parents are being warned to think twice before buying electric scooters for Christmas at the risk of falling foul of the law.
While an e-scooter may seem a tempting present to buy loved ones this festive season, Dyfed-Powys Police is urging parents to consider the potential risks and legal implications, before they fork out hundreds of pounds on what could be a wasted gift.
In the UK, privately owned e-scooters are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission. While it is not illegal to buy e-scooters, is an offence to ride them on public roads, pavements, parks and cycle paths.
Parents could be liable to prosecution if their child is found to be breaking the law. Riders could be prosecuted for numerous offences, with consequences including a £300 fine, six penalty points on their driving licence, and the risk of having the e-scooter seized.
Additionally, any driver who has passed their driving test in the last two years and is caught using an e-scooter illegally, could be disqualified from driving and have to retake both the theory and practical driving test.
Sergeant Dave Mallin, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea, but it’s important to understand the rules and risks that come with them.
“Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements or cycle paths. Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.
“Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”
While rental e-scooter schemes operate under strict conditions in trial areas in some parts of the UK, these schemes are not running in Wales.
Sgt Mallin added: “Dyfed-Powys Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to e-scooters and we would urge parents to think twice about buying e-scooters as presents this Christmas and consider a more safe and appropriate gift.”
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