Humberside Police are urging would-be gift buyers to check legal and safety rules before purchasing e-scooters for Christmas. Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public land and cannot currently be insured for public use, meaning riders risk fines, warnings or seizure. The force highlights safety concerns after 80 collisions involved e-scooters between April 2022 and March. Buyers are advised to consider rentals or use on private land with permission instead.
Police Urge Caution: Think Twice Before Buying E‑Scooters as Christmas Gifts
Humberside Police are urging would-be gift buyers to check legal and safety rules before purchasing e-scooters for Christmas. Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public land and cannot currently be insured for public use, meaning riders risk fines, warnings or seizure. The force highlights safety concerns after 80 collisions involved e-scooters between April 2022 and March. Buyers are advised to consider rentals or use on private land with permission instead.
01:16 PM, 11/14/2025Society
Police urge shoppers to check laws before gifting e-scooters
Humberside Police have warned people planning to buy e-scooters as Christmas presents to familiarise themselves with the legal and safety implications before handing them to family or friends.
The force emphasises that privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to ride on public land across the UK. Some towns and cities operate authorised rental schemes, but these are limited to users who meet scheme requirements such as holding a valid driving licence.
Inspector Neil Hutchins, of the roads policing team, said the last thing officers want is for people to spend hard-earned money on devices only for them to be seized later.
In September, a police day of action in Grimsby resulted in more than 20 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters being confiscated. Humberside Police also report that e-scooters were involved in 80 road traffic collisions between April 2022 and March this year.
Legal and safety points to consider
- Privately owned e-scooters may only be ridden on private land with the landowner's permission.
- There is currently no way to obtain insurance that makes privately owned e-scooters lawful for use on public roads, pavements or other public spaces.
- Riding a private e-scooter in prohibited areas can lead to a warning, a fine or seizure of the vehicle by police.
- Police warn many e-scooters do not meet road safety standards, increasing the risk of collisions with vehicles or pedestrians when used on roads or footpaths.
Inspector Hutchins added that while e-scooters can be attractive and practical, prospective buyers should consider these legal and safety risks before gifting one this Christmas.
For more information: contact local police, check city rental scheme rules or consult government guidance on e-scooter trials and regulations.