Bodmin Police Seize Three E-Scooters: Could Yours Be Next?

Bodmin’s Neighbourhood Policing Team has seized three electric scooters this week, and officers are urging the public to understand the law before they ride.

What does Devon and Cornwall Police say?

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, e-scooters fall under the category of “powered transporters” and are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. That means the same rules that apply to cars and motorcycles apply to e-scooters too.

The force is clear on privately owned scooters: it is not currently possible to get insurance for them, which makes it illegal to use one on a road or in any public space, including parks, pavements and shopping centres.

Where can you use a private e-scooter?

Devon and Cornwall Police say that privately owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private land, such as a garden, and only with the landowner’s permission.

What are the consequences?

The force warns that anyone riding a privately owned e-scooter in public risks having the vehicle seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. Devon and Cornwall Police note that they do not issue fines for this offence, but other penalties will be applied.

Officers also point out that if a rider causes serious harm to another person, the incident will be investigated in the same way as if a motorcycle or car had been involved.

For forces elsewhere in the UK, the penalties can include a £300 fine and six penalty points for no insurance, and a £100 fine with three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence. Offences such as riding on a pavement, running red lights, using a mobile phone while riding, or drink riding can all result in further fines, penalty points or even imprisonment.

What about rental e-scooters?

Devon and Cornwall Police acknowledge that rental e-scooters are legal where an approved trial scheme is in operation. In those areas, riders must hold a valid driving licence, have insurance (provided by the rental company) and meet the operator’s minimum age requirement.

No approved rental trial scheme is currently operating in Bodmin.

Riding an e-scooter antisocially?

The force also warns that e-scooters used in an antisocial manner in public can be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, regardless of any other offences.