Police Urge Parents to Prevent Illegal E-Scooter Use
Police are calling on parents to prevent their children from riding e-scooters illegally amid concerns from campaigners that such use is widespread.
Current legislation permits e-scooters only on private property, and police have the authority to confiscate them if used in public areas.
In a recent event, two youths were seen riding e-scooters along a dual carriageway in Aberdeen, with one not wearing a helmet.
The Scottish and UK governments have acknowledged the issue and stated that measures are being taken to address it.
Police Scotland North East issued this advisory as part of Operation Armour, a two-week initiative targeting illegal use of e-scooters and e-motorbikes.
Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
Sgt Mark Rennie emphasized the importance of existing laws designed to protect the public, particularly younger children who may lack the necessary judgment, coordination, and hazard awareness to operate these devices safely.
"The legislation surrounding e-scooter use exists to protect the public and is especially important because younger children do not yet have the judgement, coordination, or hazard awareness these devices require.
"This isn't about being strict or unfair – it's about understanding the risk."
Parents may face fines or penalty points on their driving licenses if their children use e-scooters illegally. Additionally, young riders can receive penalty points on a "ghost licence," which are applied to any provisional driving license they may obtain later.
Calls for Regulated Rental Zones
The UK transport charity Collaborative Mobility advocates for expanding rental e-scooter zones in public spaces, which currently operate only in parts of England.
Richard Dilks, the charity's chief executive, explained that within these zones, usage is clearly defined, and speed and acceleration limits are enforced.
"It's effectively unenforceable, which is not to say there shouldn't be crackdowns - it is the current law - but it just doesn't work.
"We've got this wild west of illegally used illegal devices which are used at scale despite them not being legal, and not lawful to use on public highways.
"So it's the worst of all worlds in a way."
Dilks highlighted the contradiction in the law where buying or selling e-scooters is legal, but using them on public highways is not, and called for this inconsistency to be resolved.
Local Perspectives on Safety and Modifications
Saim Shahzad, owner of an e-bike repair shop in Aberdeen, refuses to sell e-scooters due to safety concerns and advises customers against purchasing them for children.
"These scooters are going about like 50-60 miles per hour," he said.
"That's highly dangerous because these wheels are small.
"If you see the teenagers, they're not taking the thing seriously. They don't know what they're riding."
Shahzad also expressed worries about the increasing number of modified e-motorbikes, which are illegal if altered to increase speed or power beyond regulations.
Incident Involving E-Motorbike Crash
John Neil recounted an incident from last year when an e-motorbike rider collided with his car at speed while he was safely pulling out at a crossroads.
The 61-year-old described the lasting impact of the crash.
"I got out of the car, walked round and there was a young man completely unconscious, lying at the side of the road next to his wrecked e-bike in a pool of blood," he told BBC Scotland News.
"One of the witnesses shouted from the other side of the road: 'You've killed him'."
The rider was injured but left the scene on his bike after regaining consciousness.
John noted the rider was not wearing a helmet but had a full face mask and scarf, and the bike lacked plates and indicators, making it completely illegal.
"The bike had no plates on it, no indicators, it was completely illegal," he said.
John advocates for stricter controls on e-motorbike imports and modifications, including sharing purchaser information to discourage illegal use.
"If the person's information is shared then maybe they will think twice about buying a bike knowing they're going to use it illegally because their name's in the frame."
Government Responses
A Scottish government spokesperson acknowledged concerns about the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes and urged the UK government to act, as it holds authority over registration and licensing of off-road vehicles.
"That is why we have urged the UK government, which holds powers on registration and licensing over off-road vehicles, to take action in this area," said the spokesperson.
"Ministers and officials regularly meet Police Scotland and partners and are committed to supporting them to tackle these issues."
Transport Scotland noted that the UK government's brief timeframe for rental e-scooter trials prevented timely legislation in Scotland.
"We are continuing to engage closely with the Department for Transport on their proposed legislation to fully legalise e-scooters and continue to develop the evidence base and policy position on e-scooters in Scotland."
The Department for Transport announced plans to consult on long-term e-scooter regulations within the next year.
"In Scotland, trials cannot take place unless devolved legislation is put in place, but we are open to Scottish participation and are working closely with the Scottish government and Transport Scotland on both trials and longer-term legislation."
