e- Scooters: Myths Busted

“Know the law and the risks or lose your scooter or even worse your life” 

• “I can ride my private escooter on pavements or roads.” 
  ❌ Myth! Privately owned escooters are illegal anywhere public—roads, cycle lanes, pavements, parks—all off-limits. You can only use them on private land with the owner’s permission. 

• “It’s fine—they’re just like bikes, no licence or insurance needed.” 
  ❌ Myth! A private escooter is classified as a motor vehicle. Riding one in public without insurance, licence, tax, and registration risks a £300 fine, six penalty points, and seizure. 

• “Two people can easily ride an e-scooter “ 

❌ Myth!  e-scooters and standard e-bikes are engineered for a single rider. Adding a second person throws off balance, strains brakes and motors, and dramatically increases the likelihood of a crash and Severe injury risk 

“Not Built for Two – Don’t Risk It.” 

 
Electric scooters and e-bikes are designed for one rider only. Adding a passenger throws off balance, overloads brakes and motors, and turns a stable ride into a dangerous gamble. Even a short trip can end in disaster—serious falls, head injuries, or collisions with pedestrians. These vehicles are not engineered for dual use, even on private land. Under UK law, carrying a passenger on a bike or scooter not built for it is an offence, and the rider is responsible for any fines or injuries. Safety first: ride solo, stay in control, and protect lives. 

For a real-life reminder of why this matters, visit Jacob’s Journey What Happened to Jacob?—a powerful story that shows how one extra person can change everything. 

E-Scooters 

Know the law or lose your e-scooter or even worse your life 

Electric scooters are illegal everywhere in public—on roads, cycle lanes, pavements, parks, and streets—unless part of a regulated rental trial. Using a private escooter in public risks a fine, penalty points, and seizure of the scooter because it counts as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act. Beyond the legal penalties, they’re dangerous: hundreds of riders are injured or killed each year, and reckless or pavement use puts pedestrians—especially children and older adults—at serious risk. 
What’s more alarming is the fire hazard. Lithiumion batteries in escooters and ebikes have sparked over 200 fires in 2024 alone, including deaths and dozens of injuries, often while charging at home. Swapping out chargers or using cheap batteries greatly increases the likelihood of explosions and rapid, uncontrollable fires. 
In short: private escooters have no place in public, they’re high-risk on the road, and their batteries can ignite and destroy homes. Not worth the damage—in fines, in health, or in fire. 

Electric Scooter Rules 

• Riding an electric scooter: the rules (see links below) 

gov.uk: Riding an electric scooter: the rules   

• Private escooters are illegal in public. Only permitted on private land with permission. 

gov.uk: Using a rental escooter  

• In official trials, riders can use escooters on roads and cycle lanes. 

gov.uk: Powered transporters guidance  

• Covers legal status of personal transporters like escooters. 

• Confirms private escooters are motor vehicles, illegal without licence, insurance, and tax. 

 Battery & Fire Safety Guidance 

• Battery safety for e-scooter users (see link below) 

gov.uk: Battery safety for escooter users [gov.uk],  

• Advice on buying, charging, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries 

• E-cycle & e-scooter batteries: managing fire risk (see link below) 

gov.uk: Fire risk from escooter batteries [gov.uk] 

• Aimed at premises managers but contains facts on rising fire incidents. Useful for awareness. 

Electric Bike (EAPC) 

You can ride an electric bike legally in the UK without a licence, tax, insurance, or registration, as long as it meets the government’s EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) standards. That means the bike must have pedals, a motor of no more than 250 W, and assist only while pedalling up to 15.5 mph. Anything beyond that—like throttle-only power, higher motor wattage, or speed boost—is classified as a motorcycle or moped, requiring a driving licence, insurance, tax, registration, and a helmet. E-bikes that conform to EAPC rules can be ridden on roads, cycle lanes, and shared paths, but never on pavements. [gov.uk] 

On top of legal compliance, battery safety is critical. The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards recorded hundreds of e-bike battery fires in 2024, highlighting the dangers of faulty, counterfeit, or damaged lithium-ion packs. These batteries can ignite rapidly, leading to property damage, injury, or worse if improperly stored or charged. Always use approved, undamaged batteries and chargers, charge in well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials, and never leave charging devices unattended 

EAPC standards and legal requirements gov.uk: EAPC standards & legal requirements  

Stay Safe on your night out

7 top tips for a safe night out | Crimestoppers

Staying safe on a night out starts with planning ahead and looking out for each other. Make sure you know your limits when drinking, keep your phone charged, and arrange how you’ll get home before you head out. Stick with your friends and don’t let anyone wander off alone—use a buddy system and check in regularly. If you get separated, go to a safe, well-lit area and contact your group or venue staff. Always keep an eye on your drink and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. If you see someone who looks vulnerable or distressed, check if they’re okay and alert staff or security. And if you ever feel unsafe—whether with a date, partner, or anyone else—ask venue staff for help using the “Ask for Angela” code. Your safety and your friends’ safety come first, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek help.

For more detailed advice see below:

 Plan Ahead

• Know your limit: Pace yourself and avoid binge drinking.
• Eat before you go: Food slows alcohol absorption.
• Charge your phone: Make sure it’s fully charged before heading out.
• Arrange transport: Decide how you’re getting home (taxi, designated driver, public transport).

 Stay Together

• Stick with your group: Don’t let friends wander off alone.
• Buddy system: Pair up so no one is left behind.
• Check in regularly: If you split up, keep in touch by text or call.

Protect Yourself

• Watch your drink: Never leave it unattended; avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
• Stay in well-lit areas: Especially when walking between venues.
• Know emergency contacts: Save local taxi numbers and emergency services.
• Protect your use of passwords on phones and cards from others: make sure to keep you phone and bank card pins away from prying eyes.

Look Out for Each Other

• Spot signs of trouble: If a friend seems too drunk or uncomfortable, step in.
• Don’t ignore red flags: If someone is acting aggressively or suspiciously, move away and alert staff/security.
• Help get everyone home safely: Make sure no one is left behind.

If You See Someone Vulnerable or Alone

• Check if they’re okay: A simple “Are you alright?” can make a big difference.
• Don’t leave them at risk: If they seem distressed, intoxicated, or unsafe, stay with them until help arrives.
• Alert staff or security: They are trained to assist and can ensure the person gets home safely.
• Call emergency services if needed: If the person is in danger or unresponsive, dial 999 immediately.

If You Get Separated from Friends

• Stay calm and stay put: Choose a safe, well-lit spot and wait rather than wandering.
• Call or message your group: Use your phone to share your location.
• Head to a pre-agreed meeting point: Plan one before the night out (e.g., near the venue entrance).
• Ask venue staff for help: They can assist in finding your friends or keeping you safe.
• Avoid leaving with strangers: If you can’t reconnect, use a licensed taxi or trusted transport option. Never accept a lift from a stranger.

If You’re Out with a Partner and They Turn Violent or You Feel Unsafe

• Remove yourself from the situation quickly: Go to a safe, public area like the bar or near staff.
• Use the “Ask for Angela” code:
  • Go to a member of staff and discreetly say “Can I speak to Angela?”
  • This signals you need help. Staff will assist you to leave safely, call a taxi, or contact emergency services.
• Don’t confront them: Prioritise your safety over arguments.
• Call 999 if in immediate danger: Police will respond to domestic violence incidents in public spaces.