Where can you ride e-scooters?

Greater Manchester Police have seized 21 of the vehicles in less than three months.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 23rd Dec 2020

If an electric scooter has made it onto your Christmas list this year, you may want to do your research about where you're actually allowed to ride it - before you get caught out.

Since 1st October this year, Greater Manchester Police have seized over 20 e-scooters as part of a crackdown on their illegal use on roads, pavements, cycle lanes and other public places.

Despite their increased popularity, current laws only allow for them to be ridden on private land with the owner's permission.

E-scooters used in public places can be seized by police, and riders may be prosecuted for operating a vehicle without insurance.

A trial is underway in Salford in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and the University of Salford for the use of e-scooters, but this allows for the legal use of the Lime branded vehicles in a designated trial area only.

Inspector Steve Bryant, from GMP's Safer Transport Team, said: "We want to ensure that people have the right information when it comes to e-scooters, particularly as many may buy or receive them for Christmas.

"We are aware that not all sellers make the regulations clear at the point of sale; therefore we will continue to raise awareness so that hard working people do not waste their money on something they cannot currently use.

"To ensure everyone is kept safe on our roads, our officers will be seizing e-scooters used illegally."