Isle of Wight Police are reminding residents of the law around the use of e-scooters.
A trial of Beryl e-scooters was launched in Newport in November 2020. The trial has now spread to other parts of the Island too.
Radford: Witnessed “some shocking usage”
Sgt Mark Radford, who regularly engages with the Island community via the Isle of Wight Police Facebook page, says it’s time for a refresher for people using e-scooters after witnessing “some shocking usage of Beryl ones and a few privately owned ones”.
Sgt Radford said,
“I know there is some passion about e-scooters and I am aware about the possible benefits towards the environment, traffic flow etc.
“Perhaps one day privately owned ones will be allowed on the road, at the moment they are illegal.”
He goes on to explain why privately-owned e-scooters can’t be used in a public place.
“They are not legal for road use, this means you cannot apply for any of the required documents. This is one of the reasons why you can only use them on private land and not in a public place.”
Beryl Hire Scooters
Beryl are responsible for the upkeep and road worthiness of the scooters that you can hire on the Isle of Wight.
The e-scooters have a maximum speed of 12.5 mph and as Sgt Radford says, they need to be treated as a motor vehicle and have almost the same rules as a motorbike or car.
Only one person can use the e-scooter at a time and you’ll need a provisional licence in order to hire the e-scooter. You mustn’t hire a scooter for someone else to use.
How and where they can be used
When using an e-scooter you must obey all road signs and you must not use them on the pavement.
Sgt Radford says,
“The scooters can be used in a cycle lane that is attached to a road.
“This means that if the cycle route is on a pavement you can not use it. An example of this will be the one in Newport on Coppins Bridge.”
He goes on to explain that is a privately-owned scooter can be seized under 165 of the Road Traffic Act as you will have no insurance. Riders can be issued with six points on their driving licence and fined £300.
Further offences
Driving otherwise in accordance of a licence carries a maximum penalty of six points and a fine. There are also issues with not having any tax or MOT.
You cannot use a mobile phone or be intoxicated whilst using an e-scooter.
In January a mainland visitor lost their driving licence after being found using the e-scooter whilst three times over the drink-drive limit.
If you use scooter on a pavement you could get a £50 fine.
Children and e-scooters
Sgt Radford warns parents to not allow children to use a scooter in a public place. He explains you could be committing an offence called ‘use, cause or permit’ and you may be liable for the points or fine.
“For everyone’s safety, it is really important children do not use these in a public place.”
For any complaints or further questions about Beryl scooters please see their Website or speak to your local councillor.
