Parents advised to reconsider giving e-scooters as gifts

Parents are being advised to carefully consider the implications before gifting off-road vehicles or e-scooters for the holidays. The City of Wolverhampton Council emphasized that off-road vehicles, such as motorbikes and quad bikes, are legally classified as motor vehicles and must comply with specific regulations to be used on public roads.

Privately owned e-scooters are prohibited on public roads, cycle lanes, and pavements. Anyone caught using them in public areas risks having the vehicle confiscated. The council is collaborating with West Midlands Police to address illegal usage.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed warned that parents should be aware of potential legal and financial consequences, including fines, compensation claims, or prosecution if they allow illegal riding. She highlighted that the unsafe operation of off-road vehicles and e-scooters poses serious dangers to children and young people.

"Without appropriate training, protective gear, and designated areas to ride, children face significant risk of serious injury or death from falls or crashes," Ahmed explained. She also noted that illegal riding endangers pedestrians and parked vehicles when conducted on roads, pavements, or in parks.

In July, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster requested additional powers from the government to address the growing misuse of e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles. Some e-bikes have been altered to reach speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h), prompting calls to reduce the time police must wait to destroy seized vehicles from 14 days to seven.

A High Court injunction targeting street racing is active in the Black Country, and using off-road vehicles for racing or stunts on public land or roads may violate this order. Ahmed encouraged the public to report any anti-social use of off-road vehicles or e-scooters.

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