We know that you or your child may have an e-scooter at the top of your wish list this Christmas 🎄

Whilst many retailers are now advising the law around e-scooters at the time of buying, we also want to make sure that you know the laws before committing to a big purchase 🛴

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means you need to have a licence and insurance to ride one in public.

It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.

If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. 

Today, for example, we have seized this e-scooter under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Find out more on our website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/