E-scooter users face losing their licence or a fine if they ride in public
Anyone riding an e-scooter in a public place in Cornwall could face losing six points on their licence and a fine, police in the Duchy have warned.
Devon and Cornwall Police is keen to dispel the myths around the increasingly popular e-scooters after it has received an increasing number of reports that the motorised scooters are being used on public roads, pavements and parks.
A spokesman for the force said Devon and Cornwall Police and the Vision Zero South West road safety group have joined forces in the hope of combatting some of the myths about where you can and can’t ride e-scooters.
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A spokesman said: “While these e-scooters are legally available to purchase, it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK. This includes roads, pavements, parks, town centres or canal towpaths. The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land.”
The warning comes as e-scooters are classified as personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles. As such, if they are used on a road, pavement or public place they are subject to the same legal requirements as any motor vehicle.
As a result anyone using a ‘motor vehicle’ on a road or other public place without insurance or licence can face six points and a £300 fine and see their vehicle seized by police.
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Anyone caught using a modified e-scooter like any other motor vehicle which do not comply with the law can also face a fine, and be reported to the courts. Anyone using an e-scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also be disqualified from driving, face a fine or penalty points.
Allan Stewart took to social media to voice his anger at the news, saying: "Because its not road taxed or insured and it is fuel free thus no VAT is to be taken, they make it illegal and get their own way by hitting you at the other end with a fine.
"Why not embrace eco friendly tech instead?"
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