All you need to know about e-scooters and the law

It's against the law to ride most privately-owned e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes, or pavements. Most e-scooters you can buy through popular retailers can only be used on private land with the land-owners permission. However, there's an exception with the Swifty Go GT500, which is roadworthy if it's taxed, insured, has a number plate and MOT, and the rider wears a motorcycle helmet.

Why is this? This is because e-scooters are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles, so they're treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, tax, licensing and insurance. They also lack number plates or signalling ability and don't always have visible rear lights, making them dangerous on the road.

If you're stopped by the Police while using a privately-owned e-scooter on public land, then it may be seized and destroyed, you could also face a fine and points to your licence.

The UK Government is currently running e-scooter trials with 'Future Transport Zone', where you can hire and use e-scooters on public roads. This trial comes with the aim of making e-scooters legal to use on the road. We currently have e-scooter trials in Minehead, Taunton and Yeovil.

Between January and March 2024, reports to Crime Stoppers about suspected drink and drug drivers in Avon & Somerset increased by 67% compared with last year. In that time, 586 drink/drug drivers were arrested. Watch Avon and Somerset Police's thank you video on X.