Council urges e-scooter users to respect the law

Liverpool City Council has issued a reminder to people who own and use e-scooters to follow the law at all times.

E-scooters have become an increasingly popular Christmas gift in recent years. However, following concerns by residents about underage riders and anti-social behaviour, the Council is asking people to make sure they understand the rules and laws before riding.

The rules

Privately owned e-scooters must only be used on private land, with the explicit permission of the landowner. They can’t be used on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or parks.

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. This means that they require insurance, tax and registration, which are not currently available for private e-scooters.

Only e-scooters from Government-approved trial rental schemes may be ridden on public roads and cycle lanes. They must never be used on pavements or motorways.

Liverpool is one of a small number of local authorities participating in an e-scooter rental scheme, in a joint initiative with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Riders using rental e-scooters must be over 16 years of age and hold at least a provisional driving licence, and insurance is provided by the operator. There is no requirement for L plates on e-scooters for people who do not hold a full license.

Hired e-scooters should be parked responsibly and not block pavements for blind or mobility impaired people.

E-scooters are capped at a speed of 15.5mph in order to keep all road users safe.

From February Bolt e-scooters and e-bikes will replace the existing Voi e-scooters at the start of February, offering coverage across the entire city. Users must register with Bolt before renting and have to be at least 18 years-old.

Penalties for breaking the law

Illegal use can result in £300 fines, six penalty points, and police seizure. It may also result in additional charges, such as driving without insurance or riding while under the influence of drink and/or drugs. Police and transport authorities are actively enforcing these regulations to prioritise public safety.

The Government is looking at plans to introduce a new vehicle category for e-scooters, allowing private use under strict safety and licensing conditions. This will include requirements for speed limits, lighting, braking standards, insurance, and registration.

Cyclists are also reminded that, under the Highway Code, bicycles are also not permitted to be used on pavements, and can put pedestrians at risk.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “E-scooters are a fantastic active travel option when travelling across the city. They’re a great way to avoid congestion and get to where you need to be quickly.

“However, people must follow the law when it comes to using e-scooters and should only be using rentals offered by local authorities when riding on public roads.

“The rules are in place to keep everyone on the roads safe, whether they’re walking, wheeling, or driving.”

Inspector Carl McNulty from Merseyside Roads Policing Unit said: “We recognise that e scooters can offer a convenient and sustainable way to travel, and we welcome their continued use where they are operated lawfully and responsibly. However, it is important that people understand their responsibilities. Only government approved rental e scooters can be used on public roads and cycle lanes, and these must be ridden in accordance with road traffic legislation.

“The use of privately owned e scooters in public spaces remains illegal, and enforcement action will continue where these are used unlawfully. We are also clear that anti-social use of e scooters – including dangerous riding or riding in pedestrian areas – will not be tolerated.”