Conservative police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has urged parents not to buy electric scooters for their children this Christmas, highlighting the legal risks involved.
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Although purchasing an e-scooter is legal, they cannot be used on public roads, pavements, or parks without insurance—currently unavailable for privately owned models.
But despite legal restrictions, they seem ubiquitous around the streets of Southampton.
In contrast, rental e-scooters are regulated and can only be used with a provisional or full driver’s licence.
Jones emphasised the dangers of using illegal scooters, citing local data showing two fatalities and over 80 serious injuries in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since 2021. She also pointed to Operation Crush, a police initiative allowing the destruction of e-scooters used in crime, as part of efforts to tackle illegal use.
Inspector Andy Tester reminded the public that using a private e-scooter in public could lead to fines, points on a driving licence, or seizure.
The government reportedly wants to regulate e-scooters, but it’s thought not likely to happen during this parliament.
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