Photo: RideJetson.com
Electric scooters might seem like harmless fun, but they’re anything but. That’s the message from UK police to all parents who think their teenage kids could do with such a fancy new “toy.”
One 15-year-old boy was caught speeding on one and has been hauled to court, where he had points taken off his future driver’s license, the Daily Mail reports. The identity of the teen has not been made public, as neither has the exact speed he had reached on his electric scooter.
The only mention made at the hearing at the Teesside Magistrates’ youth court was that he had been caught going at “high speeds.” Electric scooters can reach up to 40mph, so your guess is as good as anyone’s on how fast he was going.
For speeding on the electric scooter, the teen was given 6 points off “his driver's license when he is able to have one,” a statement to the publication reads.
The police are using his example to ring the alarm on the need for parents to say no to buying electric scooters to kids. They’re not “toys” and can become dangerous when used for typically teenage stuff / stunts.
“These scooters are not toys, and not only can they be extremely dangerous, but they are also not legal to ride on pavements and roads and I think many parents aren't aware of this,” PC Mike Doherty from Coulby Newham Neighbourhood Policing Team says.
Electrics scooters are also banned from bike lanes and can only be driven on private land or dedicated lanes, where they exist.
“Under the Road Traffic Act we can report the individual rider for not having insurance, a license, a number plate, helmet and MOT for the scooter. This person will then be reported for summons and will be given a minimum of six points on their license or future license and a possible fine,” he adds.
The only mention made at the hearing at the Teesside Magistrates’ youth court was that he had been caught going at “high speeds.” Electric scooters can reach up to 40mph, so your guess is as good as anyone’s on how fast he was going.
For speeding on the electric scooter, the teen was given 6 points off “his driver's license when he is able to have one,” a statement to the publication reads.
The police are using his example to ring the alarm on the need for parents to say no to buying electric scooters to kids. They’re not “toys” and can become dangerous when used for typically teenage stuff / stunts.
“These scooters are not toys, and not only can they be extremely dangerous, but they are also not legal to ride on pavements and roads and I think many parents aren't aware of this,” PC Mike Doherty from Coulby Newham Neighbourhood Policing Team says.
Electrics scooters are also banned from bike lanes and can only be driven on private land or dedicated lanes, where they exist.
“Under the Road Traffic Act we can report the individual rider for not having insurance, a license, a number plate, helmet and MOT for the scooter. This person will then be reported for summons and will be given a minimum of six points on their license or future license and a possible fine,” he adds.
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