The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has urged parents not to buy electric scooters for their children for Christmas.
It is legal to buy an e-scooter in the UK however insurance is required and it is not currently possible to get insurance for these devices. This means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
In contrast to privately owned e-scooters, the official rental schemes are regulated and subject to controlled use in the local area hosting the trials. In order to use a rental electric scooter, riders must hold a provisional or full driver’s license with the rental company insuring the scooter.
PCC Donna Jones said: “As Police Commissioner, it is my priority to ensure the safety and security of our communities. Too often we see people on privately-owned e-scooters riding dangerously on roads and pavements, breaking the law, being involved in anti-social behaviour, and putting other road users and pedestrians at risk.
“If you buy your child an e-scooter, you are encouraging them to break the law and putting them at risk.”
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, e-scooter data reveals there have been two fatalities and 20 serious injuries dating back to 2021. The following year there were 33 serious injuries and in 2023 28 serious injuries. January to April this year saw a total of 14 serious injuries. Nationally, there were 1,292 collisions involving e-scooters last year and six fatalities.
In February this year, the Police Commissioner Donna Jones signed a contract to enable Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to enhance its powers and use existing legislation giving them the option to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle that is being used in crime as part of Operation Crush.
PCC Donna Jones said: “Since being elected as the Police Commissioner in 2021, the public have consistently told me they want the police to do more to crack down on e-scooters.
“I continue to encourage the police to crack down on illegal scooter use, recognising this is a growing problem which clearly continues to cause concern for the public.
“Whilst many people use e-scooters as environmentally friendly travel, there are clear dangers and privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride on the road and are often being used to commit crime.
“Operation Crush sends a clear message. By removing illegally-operated e-scooters from circulation, criminal activity will be disrupted, the risk of injuries is reduced, and our streets will be safer. I’m looking forward to visiting the force’s Operation Crush site in the new year.”