Shoppers warned on electric vehicle law

Don’t get put on the naughty list this year!

That’s the message as police remind festive shoppers on the law around using electric vehicles such as e-scooters and e-motorbikes.

Officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit have urged the public to familiarise themselves with the rules – or risk having vehicles seized.

Electronically Assisted Pedal Cycles can be used on public highways, and require no insurance, road tax or driving licence. However, riders must be at least 14-years-old.

Electric scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are therefore subject to the same rules, meaning riders are required to have a valid driving licence and insurance.

Those that are privately owned can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. They are illegal to use on public highways and you can’t get insurance to ride them on the roads.

Electric scooters are widely available through rental schemes across the country for use on public roads – with riders required to hold a provisional or full drivers licence to hire them.

Electric motorbikes, commonly referred to as e-bikes, require riders to have a full driving licence and insurance – however, they can’t be driven on public highways unless specifically road registered.

Inspector Phil Patterson, who heads up Northumbria Police’s Road Safety Team, said: “We know many people are starting to get into the festive spirit, and have started their Christmas shopping.

“Each year, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular item showing up on many people’s wish lists – including for children and teenagers.

“However, this comes as a timely reminder to share the laws around each vehicle type.

“We don’t want anyone to get caught out – especially those parents and carers who might be thinking of purchasing an electric scooter or electric motorbike for a child.”

Insp Patterson added: “Many of these vehicles are subject to the same rules as any other motor vehicle, and we’d urge people to familiarise themselves with the law before making a big purchase.

“Some riders can also face police action in the same way any other driver might – for example, if caught under the influence of drink or drugs, driving carelessly or dangerously, or without the proper licence, insurance or tax.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our region’s roads safe – and anyone found to be flouting the law could risk facing prosecution or having their vehicles seized.”

Legislation information can be found on the GOV.UK and police.uk websites.

Anyone with concerns about road safety in their area can contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, or using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.

Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.

Members of the public can also share dashcam footage using the dedicated portal online here.