Thames Valley Police have warned parents about the laws around e-scooters – including it being illegal to ride privately owned ones in public places.

In the lead up to Christmas, parents are being reminded of the different laws around private and rental e-scooters.

Privately owned e-scooters

A privately owned e-scooter can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. This means it is against the law to use them in any public places including roads, pavements/footways, cycle lanes and parks.

Thames Valley Police have warned parents about the laws around e-scooters - including it being illegal to ride privately owned ones in public places.

placeholder image — Thames Valley Police have warned parents about the laws around e-scooters - including it being illegal to ride privately owned ones in public places.

Rental trial e-scooters

Government approved rental e-scooters are different. In authorised trial areas they may be ridden on public roads and many cycle lanes, but they must not be ridden on pavements.

Users must hold the required driving licence entitlement and be 18 years old or older. Third-party insurance is provided by the rental operator. Only one person should ride the e-scooter at any time and riders must not use mobile phones whilst riding.

Offences and penalties

A person riding a privately owned e-scooter illegally in public may face fixed penalty notices/fines, penalty points on their driving licence, seizure of the e-scooter under road traffic powers and prosecution for more serious offences where appropriate.

Common misconceptions

❌ "It's legal if I'm in a cycle lane."

Still illegal for a privately owned e-scooter.

❌ "It's legal if I'm only on the pavement for a short distance."

Still illegal.

❌ "It's legal because I bought it from a UK retailer."

Sale and ownership are legal, but public use is not.