05/10/2026
A Message from Northumbria 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. Don’t help your child break the law
with e-scooters, e-bikes, and off-road motorbikes.
As we’re sure you’re 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 landowner’s 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 doesn’t have a driving licence, a ‘ghost’ 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 ‘use, cause and permit’ 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."
