Police warn Somerset parents over illegal e-scooter use

Avon and Somerset Police have issued a warning to parents and carers over the use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads in the county.

It comes in the wake of a fatal crash in Taunton last week, believed to have involved an electric motorcycle, in which a 16-year-old boy died.

In a letter sent to parents and carers, PCSO supervisor Sam Bushen said officers had seen "a significant increase in the use of privately-owned electric scooters (e-scooters) by young people across our communities" and wanted to ensure parents understand the risks and the law associated with their use.

The letter, dated October 1, explains that many families may be unaware privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, footpaths, parks and other publicly accessible areas, unless they are part of an authorised rental trial scheme.

Under current legislation, privately-owned e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles. That means they require vehicle registration, insurance, vehicle tax, appropriate lighting and safety requirements, and a valid driving licence to be used legally on public roads.

Therefore, "as privately-owned e-scooters cannot currently meet these legal requirements, they can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner."

Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Unit recently seized 30 illegal e-scooters which are set to be destroyed.

Sharing videos of the illegal vehicle haul on social media, the police said: "These vehicles were being used unlawfully on our roads and posed a risk to other road users and pedestrians.

"If you choose to ride an illegal e-scooter in public, you risk having it seized and destroyed. Think before you ride. The consequences are real."

Rise in young people riding e-scooters illegally

In the letter shared with parents and guardians, police said officers are "encountering an increasing number of young people riding e-scooters illegally" and warned enforcement action may be taken.

According to the letter, this can include seizure of the e-scooter, riders being reported to court, and parents or guardians being reported where circumstances indicate offences linked to permitting unlawful use.

The force also warned of wider consequences that could result from e-scooter offences, including potential points on a driving licence for those who hold one, and impacts on future driving licence applications and insurance premiums.

"Serious safety concerns" around e-scooter use

Avon and Somerset Police also highlighted safety concerns, pointing to increasing numbers of injuries associated with e-scooters across the UK.

The letter states: "These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to serious fractures, head injuries, and life-changing trauma."

Officers warned risks increase when riders travel without helmets or protective equipment, carry passengers, use pavements where pedestrians are present, ride during darkness, use mobile phones or headphones while riding, or modify scooters to increase speed.

The letter adds: "We have particular concerns around young riders who may not fully appreciate the dangers posed to themselves and others."

Police urge Somerset parents to discuss e-scooter risks and law

Parents and carers are being urged to familiarise themselves with current legislation, discuss legal restrictions and safety risks with children, and ensure any family-owned e-scooters are only used on private land with permission from the landowner.

The letter states: "Understand that purchasing an e-scooter for a child may unintentionally place them at risk of police enforcement action and serious injury."

Police said the aim of the campaign is "not simply enforcement, but education and prevention" and called on parents, schools and communities to work together to promote safe and lawful behaviour.

The warning comes soon after a fatal collision involving two teenage boys and an e-vehicle in Taunton, on Thursday, October 1.

Avon and Somerset Police said the pair were riding a vehicle, believed to be an electric motorcycle, when it collided with a car stopped at traffic lights on East Reach at about 10.20pm.

One boy, aged 16, died at the scene, while the second was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.

A police investigation is ongoing and officers continue to appeal for witnesses and relevant dashcam footage.

No electric motorcycle, or vehicle of a similar design, was found at the scene when officers arrived and enquiries to locate it remain under way.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police quoting reference 5226281802.