POLICE have issued a reminder over the laws surrounding electric scooters.
A police spokesperson said: “Looking at buying someone an electric scooter for a present this Christmas? We’re reminding you of the legislation for everyone’s safety.
“Electric Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC), more commonly known as electric bikes, are legal to ride if you are over the age of 14 and do not require a licence or need to be registered, taxed or insured.”
However, an EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it. It must show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor. It must also show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike.
Its electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph.
Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules will be classed as a motorcycle or moped and will require to be registered and taxed, and will require you to have a driving licence and wear a helmet for you to ride one.
Electric scooters can be bought from most toy stores and cycle shops and are powered by a battery motor and generally have no pedals with them. This makes them illegal to use on a public road, pavement or cycle lane.
The use of these machines is restricted to private land. If a person uses an electric scooter on a road then it is being used as a motorcycle or moped, and therefore requires the rider to be licensed and the vehicle to be registered and insured.
“If you are thinking of buying an electric scooter and bike, please familiarise yourself with the laws. If you are concerned about a rider’s behaviour or use of their bike please report it to us by calling 101,” added the spokesperson.
