01/10/2026
Please read the following message from Norhumbria Police
THINK!... BEFORE BUYING A CHRISTMAS PRESENT THAT CANNOT BE USED
In the run up to Christmas, we would like to help you make informed decisions about presents you buy for your children. Donât help your child break the law with e-scooters, e-bikes, and off-road motorbikes.
As weâre sure youâre aware from the news and possibly personal experience, these illegally-ridden vehicles cause not just nuisance to our communities but also pose a huge risk to the safety of the public including that of your own child.
All privately-owned e-scooters are NOT LEGAL to be ridden anywhere on public land.
This includes roads, cycle lanes, footpaths, and bridleways.
The only place to ride them legally is on private land with the landownerâs permission.
Electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EPACs) and e-bikes are a little more complex as various conditions apply for them to be road legal.
Please see the accompanying leaflet for more information about this.
CONSEQUENCES OF ILLEGAL RIDING
The vehicle can be seized by police and crushed.
The rider (including a child) could be prosecuted for driving offences resulting in penalty points and a fine.
If the rider doesnât have a driving licence, a âghostâ licence is created where the penalty points are held until a provisional licence is issued.
A parent/carer can be prosecuted for the offence of âuse, cause and permitâ the illegal use of a vehicle, i.e. they have bought the vehicle and have allowed the child to ride it.
Again, penalty points and a fine can apply.