Council issues e-scooter warning

A note of caution has been issued by Middlesbrough Council to anyone thinking of buying an e-scooter as a present this Christmas.

The authority has advised that it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle paths. In fact, the only place to legally ride a privately owned e-scooter in Middlesbrough is on private land with the permission of the land owner - riding it anywhere else is against the law.

Anyone stopped by the police when riding a privately owned e-scooter on the road or in a public place could face prosecution, together with penalty points on their driving licence and a fine. The scooter could also be seized.

The only e-scooters that are allowed on public roads in Middlesbrough are those operated by Ginger, a company specialising in shared transport services that has entered into a partnership with the Council to deliver a government-sponsored e-scooter trial. Ginger's e-scooters are restricted to a maximum speed of 12 mph, and can only be hired by people aged 18 and over with a valid driving licence.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "e-scooters can be popular Christmas presents, but it's important that anyone considering buying one is fully aware that it is illegal to ride it on public roads.

"If you are caught riding a privately owned e-scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle path, then your e-scooter could be seized, and you may be fined. The parents of children using privately owned e-scooters may also be responsible for any fines incurred by them.

"Whilst e-scooters are being promoted by retailers as a great gift, they can reach speeds of more than 30 mph and this can pose serious risks to pedestrians and other members of the public, as well as to the riders themselves. For this reason we would urge anyone considering buying an e-scooter to think twice before doing so."

Middlesbrough Council has prepared a guidance note aimed at anyone thinking of buying an e-scooter. The guidance note, together with full details of the e-scooter trial, can be found on the Council website atE-scooters | Middlesbrough Council.

ENDS

Press Notice 6742. 10/12/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil