Electric Scooters Information Leaflet

Information for parents and carers

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Electric Scooters Patient Information Leaflet – PIAG 406 (121kB pdf)

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are being used in Liverpool and across the UK. In the Emergency Department at Alder Hey we are seeing injuries in young people from accidents involving e-scooters.

E-scooters can go at high speeds, (much faster than a normal scooter or bicycle) and accidents can be associated with broken bones, facial injuries and more serious injuries that require admission to hospital.

Facts

E-Scooters and the Law

E-scooters are treated by the law in the same way as driving a car or motorcycle. To ride them in public areas they need insurance, tax, and a valid licence. It’s currently not possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. It is therefore illegal for any young person under 17 and without a driving licence to ride an e-scooter in a public area.
Privately owned e-scooters are only allowed on private land (e.g., garden, driveway) and not public land (pavements, parks, and roads).
Rental e-scooters can “ONLY” be ridden if you create an account with the company, hold a valid licence and are over 16 years old.
There are fixed penalty notices, fines and penalty points and the police can seize e-scooters if they are not properly insured.

Advice on the use of E-Scooters:

Wear a helmet due to the risk of skull fractures and brain injuries.
Do not have multiple people (children or adults) riding the same e-scooter as this can lead to more injuries.

References:

https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-e-scooter-factsheet-2020/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-e-scooter-factsheet-2020

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.