Illegal Use Of Motorcycles, E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Good morning,

Please can you take a moment to read the below message about the use of E-Scooters. 

We are seeing an increased use of E-Scooters by youths in our community and wish to seek your support in this matter.

We have spoken to a number of youths aged between 9 and 15 years old who we have seen with E-Scooters and not one of them are aware that the use of these on public roads / land are illegal.

E-Scooters are classified as “Powered Transporters" which covers a variety of novel personal transport devices which are mechanically propelled (propelled by a motor) as well as or instead of being manually propelled. 

Being mechanically propelled means these devices meet the definition of a “motor vehicle" and as such they are subject to the same laws as other motor vehicles i.e. have insurance, tax, having a driving licence etc.

Use of these vehicles on a road or other public space is an offence and could leave the user liable to criminal prosecution under road traffic and/or antisocial behaviour legislation.

This means that users of E-Scooters could be charged with anywhere between 6-8 Road Traffic Offences as well as having their E-Scooter seized by Police. It can also mean charges for parents for allowing their child to use these.

It is however legal to use these vehicles on private land with the permission of the landowner.​

Furthermore, Police Scotland have seen numerous recent incidents of serious injuries being caused from collisions involving E-Scooters, due to their speed and lack of protective equipment.  You only have to research local news articles which shows this.

Now that all the formal stuff is out of the way, we are aware that the majority, if not all, of the youths we have seen using these E-Scooters are not troublemakers and only having fun but we do have a duty to uphold the law as described above, and take action if necessary. We are also committed to keeping our community safe, which includes the riders, especially when they are so young.

If you have information about individuals using these vehicles illegally or dangerously, please contact Police Scotland or Crimestoppers / Fearless – Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers or 0800 555 111

To assist us, call 101 or 999, providing the location, descriptions, and—when it is safe to do so—photographic or video evidence of the vehicles and riders.

Illegal use of these vehicles is putting everyone at risk, including the rider. If you or your family have one, make sure it is only used legally.

If you wish more information, please contact us using the below email.

Thank you for your support,

PC’s Samson & Duncan

Kinross Community Officers

South Perthshire Community Policing Team

17 High Street

Kinross

KY13 8AW

Team email: TaysideCommunityPolicePerthandKinross@scotland.police.uk