THE police and Newton Abbot mayor have warned people that could fall foul of the law after buying an e-scooter either as a gift or for themselves.

After complaints in the town about young riders causing problem, the police took to Facebook to raise the issue.

‘Are you planning to purchase an e-scooter this Christmas? If so, make sure you know the laws and implications before purchasing,’ they advise.

‘With more and more being used on public land, make sure you know where you can use one or you may find yourself committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and, if ridden on the pavement, the Highway Act 1835.’

The police stress people should be aware of:

The only place you can ride a privately owned e-scooter is on private land with the landowner’s permission.

It is against the law to ride an e-scooter on any public land. This includes pavement’s, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways, or any publicly accessible land such as parks and car parks.

An e-scooter is classed as a powered transporter and they are treated as a motor vehicle and fall under the Road Traffic Act 1988. They are subject to the same legal requirements as motor vehicles. This includes MOT, tax, licensing, insurance, and specific construction regulations. If you are caught using a powered transporter (e-scooter) on a public road, pavement, or other prohibited space you are committing a criminal offence and could be prosecuted.

Your e-scooter could be seized, you could end up with a fine, penalty points or even disqualification from driving.

Newton Abbot mayor and local police advocate, Cllr Mike Joyce, says: ‘Several have already been confiscated by officers and destroyed in the NA area, so it may well be an expensive gift that finish up being crushed and maybe leaving someone distraught at the loss. Fines and penalties may also be imposed if the rider has a drivers licence.

As one of several Police Advocates in Newton Abbot, one of the many complaints are about e-scooters and how they are ridden around the town and surrounding areas, so please, this festive time be advised on the law covering e-scooters.’