The school has recently  been made aware of an incident involving e‑scooters, which highlights just how serious the risks can be. Misuse of E‑scooters in busy areas, on roads, and on the highway places not only the rider at risk, but also pedestrians, drivers, and the wider public.

Legal Position on E‑Scooters

West Midlands Police guidance confirms that privately owned e‑scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, parks, cycle lanes, and any other public spaces. They are legally classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning they require a driving licence and insurance—neither of which is available for privately owned e‑scooters. As a result, children riding private e‑scooters in public are doing so unlawfully, and the vehicles can be seized under Section 165 of the Act.

The only lawful use of e‑scooters in public places is through approved rental trial schemes, which require riders to be at least 18 and hold a valid driving licence—making them inappropriate and inaccessible for school‑aged children.

Safety Concerns

Police and safety services report a growing number of collisions involving e‑scooters, with some resulting in serious injury. West Midlands Police highlight that if a rider causes harm to others, incidents are investigated in the same way as collisions involving cars or motorcycles.

In addition, West Midlands Fire Service and national road safety bodies emphasise the following risks:

• Lack of protective equipment (many children ride without helmets or pads)
• Use on unsuitable surfaces and in busy pedestrian areas
• Rising reports of children riding without insurance and in unsafe conditions, contributing to increased enforcement concerns nationally

Further Information

West Midlands Police guidance on e‑scooters can be found here:
https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/