Parents have been warned they could face prosecution amid a surge in children injured in electric scooter and bike crashes. It is illegal for under-14s to ride e-bikes in Scotland, while privately-owned e-scooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes.
Retailers selling e-scooters are required by law to make the restrictions on their use known, and parents who buy them for children have a responsibility to ensure they are not used illegally.
View 4 ImagesAccording to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children e-scooters and e-bikes are one of the “most common causes of major trauma admissions”.
Cases soared by more than 600 per cent last year with more than 30 youngsters – some as young as seven – treated between May and October.
View 4 ImagesA Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We urge parents and carers to consider the dangers of e-scooters before purchasing one.
“Anyone buying an e-scooter has a responsibility to be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place. “Enforcement action can be taken against the rider and those who purchase these machines.” It comes amid concerns some retailers are failing to clearly warn buyers about the laws despite rules requiring the restrictions to be prominently displayed at the point of sale.
The UK Government, which regulates e-scooters, warned retailers who fail to clearly state they cannot be used on public roads are breaking the law. A spokesperson said: “It is illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements and any retailer who doesn’t make this clear at the point of sale is breaking the law. “Safety is our priority and DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit is protecting the public by forcing retailers to remove misleading listings and cracking down on illegal sales.”
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View 4 ImagesSales of e-bikes and scooters have soared in Scotland with an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 purchased.
Regulators are concerned some are marketing e-scooters as suitable for everyday use, promoting them in adverts for the school run and daily commute. Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie said many young people and parents don’t realise how dangerous scooters can be. He added: “They are also largely unaware of the law when it comes to riding them out and about.” Scots Tory MSP Liam Kerr warned e-scooters have become a “serious threat to public safety”. Jenna Hills, Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children’s major trauma coordinator, said: “The injuries range from broken bones through to head, facial and skull injuries. “We see trauma cases increase as the weather improves and kids spend more time outdoors. Incidents with e-scooters and e-bikes follow that trend. “They are now one of the most common causes of major trauma admissions we see in children.”