An e-scooter business in Keswick has been forced to close temporarily.
The closure of E-Motion Scooters in the town’s Main Street coincides with Cumbria police putting out a public message which says their use is illegal on roads, footpaths, cycle tracks, lanes, bridleways or byways.
The only legal place privately bought scooters can be ridden is on private land with the owner’s consent.
An answer machine message says: “I am afraid that we are closed temporarily because of e-scooter legislation and law.
“As it stands you can only ride an e-scooter in an e-scooter trial area and Keswick is not one of these areas.
“We are working with the council to try and make it a trial area and will update all our web pages and social media on how the progress is going.”
Sergeant Craig Hynes, of Cumbria police’s mobile support group, said: “Any person who uses an electrical scooter, powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space as listed above in breach of the law will be committing a criminal offence, therefore can be prosecuted as well having the scooter seized under road traffic legislation.
“I would urge anyone who is considering buying an e-scooter for themselves or for their children to think again unless you have private land in which you can use them.
“We have seen a surge of anti-social behaviour involving these scooters and we are actively enforcing legislation.
“Please be warned that if you are found riding an e-scooter on a road, footpath, bridleway, or byway we will be seizing the scooter and reporting you for offences, ultimately resulting in penalty points on your driving licence, driving disqualification and or fines.
“Please help keep yourselves and out communities safe.”
The legislation for hiring an e-scooter is the same as if hiring a car, and people using them must follow the rules and regulations for using a vehicle on a public highway or they may be awarded penalty points on their driving licence, a fine or be disqualified from driving.
“Keeping people safe on our roads is an issue that everyone can be involved in. Individuals, families, friends and communities all have a role to play in helping to promote safer driving in county. It is only by working together that we can improve road safety and ultimately, help save lives.”
