A teenager who was injured after he crashed his e-scooter has been told by police that he could face legal action and points on his provisional driving licence.
Even though the boy is only 14 years old, police have warned him that he could have points added to his licence if he applies for one in the future.
The Manchester youngster, who broke his leg when he was knocked from his e-scooter by a taxi, has been told that the driver will not face any further action because the e-scooter should not have been ridden on the road.
According to media reports, the police have warned the teenager that ‘depending on the penalty points put onto the licence (typically 6 points for no insurance) this may even revoke the licence’.
Following the collision the e-scooter was seized by police who have also warned the boy’s mother than she may face prosecution for providing her son with the scooter.
Jeremy Sirrell, a Director with Palmer Solicitors, who specialises in motoring law, said: “The recent popularity of e-scooters has led to confusion amongst many who see them as being merely a motorised version of a child’s ride-on toy.”
He continued: “However, the Department of Transport classifies e-scooters as personal light electric vehicles which means there are regulations for owning and using them. It is therefore, illegal to use an e-scooter on public roads, paths and cycle ways.
“The only exception to the law is if an individual uses an ‘approved’ scooter – in one of 32 areas around the country – which are currently being trialled under a Government scheme.”
Jeremy added: “It is important for users to understand that they must also have a valid driving licence, therefore anyone under the age of 17 should not be using an approved e-scooter on a public highway,”
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