THEY are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on the region's paths and roads, with some even spotted travelling in shopping centres across the country.

Costing sometimes thousands of pounds, e-scooters have become a highly-debated topic among road users, pedestrians and those wanting a bit of fun.

They have been a common choice of present during Christmas, and dozens of listings for brand new and pre-owned private e-scooters are currently online.

But technically falling under the legal definition of a "motor vehicle," their uses in public are legally restricted due to a number of factors.

 

So what exactly are the rules surrounding their use on public roads and footpaths in the region? The force covering County Durham and Darlington have explained. 

Durham Police, which is responsible for monitoring the use of private e-scooters in the area, has said they remain illegal to use in all public places.

The force said it does remain legal to purchase, sell and own a private e-scooter, but they cannot then be used on any public roads or pavements.

It says private e-scooters should only be used on private land, i.e. a field, or grounds, with the permission of the landowner, at all times.

It explained that this is because the laws surrounding use of cars and motorcycles apply "equally" to the vehicles when they are used in public.

It means anyone caught anyone caught using a private e-scooter can face a raft of penalties including sentences ranging from fines, penalty points to a driving ban.

What the force said

A spokesperson for Durham Police told The Northern Echo: “Private e-scooters are legal to buy, sell and own, but it is illegal to ride them on public roads or pavements.

"They (private e-scooters) should only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

“The laws relating to driving a car or riding a motorbike apply equally to e-scooters when used in public."

It went on to say there are not any "major" issues with their use across County Durham and Darlington, but that it continues to monitor the situation.

Why exactly can't they be used in public?

According to the Government website, private e-scooters cannot be used on public roads anywhere in the UK as they do not currently meet the requirements needed.

That's because they are classed as a "powered transporter," which falls under the category of a "motor vehicle."

It says that because motor vehicles require the user to have their cars or motorcycles insured, taxed, MOT'd and registered, private e-scooters do not comply with this.

Not ruling out that this could not be done, it says that it is likely users will find it "very difficult" to comply with all requirements, still meaning it would be an offence to use. 

What is the fine?

There is no set fine for using an e-scooter in a public place as the criminal offence is determined on its nature and severity. 

It means that a relatively small offence such as being caught riding it in a public place could see a fine being issued to the rider.

However, a more serious offence such as a collision involving another person could lead to penalty points - and in some cases, a ban from driving.

Earlier this month, a police force launched a month-long crackdown to tackle e-scooter riders who flout the law.

West Midlands Police said officers would be carrying out patrols in the force area's towns and cities with £300 fines given to those who break the rules.

It said it had chosen to act after receiving complaints about their use, while warning riders could face up to six penalty points.

Why are council-owned e-scooters allowed

In the North East, the use of e-scooters provided through the local authority is being trialled across several areas.

This mainly includes local authority areas such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Redcar and Cleveland.

They are allowed to be used in public, namely roads and cycle lanes, as they do conform to the requirements of a motor vehicle.

According to Neuron - which operates e-scooters in the North East - riders must hold a valid full or provisional driving licence.

It states that unlicenced riding is an offence and would invalidate any motor vehicle insurance provided to the rider if an incident were to occur

But some North East areas have reported problems

Although Durham Police have said there are no major issues over their use in County Durham and Darlington, some areas have seen problems.

Earlier this month, Northumbria Police said that it would be combatting "dangerous" private e-scooters in South Tyneside.

The subject of a newly-created Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), e-scooter riders in the area now face additional penalties for breaching the law and the protection order.

Dave Stobbs, Northumbria Police's acting neighbourhood inspector for South Shields, said they were a "serious issue" at present. 

Those comments came as Halfords last week reported sales of electric bicycles and scooters had actually helped it notch a 72 per cent jump in profits.

The retailer, which has stores right across the region, said sales in this category almost doubled – up 94 per cent.

Graham Stapleton, Chief executive of Halfords, said the sales had helped contribute to the group remaining in "pretty good shape" despite the Covid pandemic.

  • Do you think private e-scooters should be allowed if taxed and insured? Let us know in the comments section below.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054