E-SCOOTER users who ride illegally on public roads or spaces are being reminded they could face fines – or even a prison sentence – amid the release of new guidance on dealing with offenders issued by Jersey’s Attorney General.
The updated guidance comes as States police confirmed earlier this week that a recent collision on the overpass involving a car and an e-scooter, which saw an individual taken to hospital, was still being investigated.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 and the Motor Traffic (Third-Party Insurance) (Jersey) Law 1948.
This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters – including the need to have a licence and insurance.
However, it is not currently possible to get specific insurance or a driving licence for e-scooters, meaning those who ride one – or an e-bike that can go faster than 15.5mph – on public roads, footpaths or cycle lanes commit offences.
Depending on the offence committed, they could end up with a fine, driving ban, or even a prison sentence. Their e-scooter or e-bike could also be permanently confiscated.
“The States of Jersey Police will continue to stop and report individuals who are utilising e-scooters in public places.”
Inspector Lawrence Courtness
The Attorney General’s recently issued guidance to the police covers a range of options for dealing with offenders, from police cautions for minor matters to charging and prosecuting in court for more serious cases.
Inspector Lawrence Courtness, who is the force’s roads policing lead, said: “The updated guidance is a timely reminder that the use of e-scooters on the road is illegal, and they can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
“E-scooters are also prohibited from being used on cycle tracks, cycle lanes on roads, or other spaces dedicated to pedal cycle use only. This is because e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are therefore subject to the same laws and regulations.”
He added: “People who purchase and ride an e-scooter in public may not realise they are committing various offences and could risk fines and/or the loss of their driving licence.
“The States of Jersey Police will continue to stop and report individuals who are utilising e-scooters in public places.”
