Police commissioner warns about e-scooters for Christmas

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police Matthew Barber hit out at electric scooters.

He told shoppers to not bother to buy e-scooters as a Christmas present, which have blown up in popularity in recent years with rental companies launching scooters on city streets, which has sparked safety concerns.

Mr Barber said: “It is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on the roads in the UK. Do not buy your children one of these for Christmas.

TVP's Police and Crime Commissioner said the force will be educating people about the law and seizing e-scooters. (Image: Matthew Barber)

“They may seem like a tempting present but they can end up with you and your child getting in a lot of trouble. Parents can be fined for allowing children to use these without insurance." 

Privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public highways, pavement and any other public space, including parks, while riders cannot get insurance to ride them on the road, he said.

Officially, rented scooters can only be used on roads with a provisional or dull driving licence.

"Expect the police to be educating people about the law and seizing e-scooters," he added. 

Chiltern Railways has reminded passengers that e-scooters are not allowed on board trains or any Chiltern Railways stations due to the fire hazard posed by e-scooter lithium-ion batteries.