Peterborough police warning over law surrounding e-scooters

The scooters, commonly called e-scooters, have increased in popularity in recent years but are still only legal to ride on private land with the landowner’s permission or as part of a government trial.

Sergeant Andy Morris, from the Peterborough City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have seen an increase in people using e-scooters particularly around the city centre, and with businesses re-opening this week and more people expected in the town, it is important owners of the vehicles are aware of the law.

“We believe many people are unaware that the scooters are illegal to use in public, currently they are only legal to ride on private land with the landowner’s permission and penalties for riding them in public can result in penalty points, a fine and the vehicle being seized.”

With government-led trials of rented e-scooters taking place around the country, including in Cambridge, some people are purchasing their own in the mistaken belief they can legally use them on public paths and roads.

This is not the case and otherwise law-abiding citizens are finding themselves inadvertently breaking the law.

Sgt Morris added: “The city is likely to be busy, making the use of e-scooters highly dangerous. Many e-scooters have a maximum speed of 15.5mph and some are able to exceed this, which can be dangerous for the rider and pedestrians if they are involved in a collision.

“Our patrols have increased in the city centre with the shops reopening and we will be engaging with members of the community to make them aware of the law regarding e-scooters. Those who knowingly and persistently break the law will be dealt with appropriately.”