Is riding an e-scooter on the road or pavement legal? Where can I ride an e-scooter?

People riding e-scooters illegally will be stopped and will be penalised depending on the nature and severity of the offence, according to the force.

The police will also advise people riding e-scooters of the law and ask them to take their e-scooters home.

It comes after a man was spotted trying to join a lane of 70mph motorway traffic in Bradford.

Why is riding electric Scooters on public roads and pavement illegal?

According to West Yorkshire Police, e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), which are subject to the same legal requirements as motor vehicles, such as cars or motorcycles.

According to the law, motor vehicles cannot be used on the road unless they are taxed , registered, have an MOT, are insured and the driver has a valid driving license for the category of vehicle.

It is illegal to drive or ride a motor vehicle which fails to meet any of these requirements.

According to West Yorkshire Police, some types of vehicles would never be legal to be on the public road because of their design.

E-scooters do not have numberplates, signaling ability, or visible rear lights.

Therefore, they fail to meet the legal requirements for “on road” motor vehicles.

Where can I ride e-scooters?

People above the age of 13 can ride e-scooters on private land or properties with the permission of the owner of the land and property.

It is illegal to ride e-scooters on council land unless they are commercial parks or specifically designed area for e-scooters.

People can legally ride electric scooters in some parts of the country as part of a government trial.

This is under the condition that the e-scooters are covered by motor vehicle insurance policy - and riders should have a valid driving license.