E-scooters - the law and fire safety
Many children and teenagers ask for e-scooters, and we know lots of parents feel the pressure to say yes.
While they may seem like a fun and modern gift, it's important to remember that privately owned e-scooters are not currently legal to use on public roads, pavements or cycle paths.
E-scooters provided by companies (such as Lime) through a local scheme are legal. There are no legal e-scooter schemes in Lichfield District currently.
Know the law
Using e-scooters in public can result in fines, points on a driving licence, and even the scooter being seized.
Before buying, make sure you understand the law and think carefully about where and how it would be used.
Key things you need to know:
- Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements.
- They cannot be used in any public area.
- They can only be used on private land with the permission of the land owner.
- You can't insure privately owned e-scooters.
If you ride a privately owned e-scooter in public, you face:
- It being seized - you won't get it back and it will be disposed of.
- A £300 fine.
- 6 points on your driving licence.
- If you have a provisional driving licence or don't have a valid licence - you will get a further 3 points and a further £100 fine.
Staffordshire Police are carrying out ongoing operations to target and remove privately owned e-scooters from our roads, so we strongly recommend you do not purchase them this Christmas unless you have direct access to privately owned land and the permission of the landowner to use them only on that and other private land.
Buying an e-scooter safely
If you own or have access to private land and decide to purchase an e-scooter:
- Only buy from reputable retailers - avoid online marketplaces selling unbranded or imported models.
- Check for UK safety markings - such as the UKCA or CE label.
- Make sure the charger and battery pack meet UK safety standards.
- Be cautious of second-hand e-scooters - particularly if the battery has been replaced or tampered with.
Charging safely
- Always use the charger that came with the e-scooter.
- Don’t leave it charging unattended, especially overnight.
- Charge on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface – not on a bed, sofa, or carpet.
- Avoid overcharging - unplug the scooter once it’s fully charged.
- Keep away from heat sources and never charge in hallways or escape routes.
Storage and transport
- Store e-scooters in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials.
- Don’t block exits or stairs - e-scooter fires can develop rapidly, so escape routes must always be clear.
- Never cover the e-scooter with clothing, bags or blankets while charging.
Warning signs of battery issues
- Battery becomes hot to the touch
- Swelling or unusual shape
- Smell of burning plastic
- Cracking or hissing sounds
- Charger or e-scooter shows scorch marks
Stop using the scooter immediately if you notice any of these and contact the manufacturer or a professional repair service.
Stay protected
- Keep a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, wood burner, or open fire.
- Test your alarms regularly.
- Have an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household knows it.
- If a fire does start, get out, stay out, and call 999.
- For more information visit Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service's safety at home section, or Fire Kills