11/06/2026
Illegal Use of Electric Scooters🛴🛴
We'd like to remind residents that privately owned electric scooters are not legal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or in public spaces. They may only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.
If you are using a Voi rental e-scooter, please ensure you follow all terms and conditions of the hire agreement, including:
Only riding within the authorised operating area
Meeting the minimum age and licence requirements
Not carrying passengers
Riding responsibly and in accordance with the rules of the scheme
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles. This means legal requirements such as insurance, licensing and vehicle standards apply. As privately owned e-scooters cannot currently be insured for use on public roads, they cannot legally be ridden in public.
As part of Northamptonshire Police's Operation Storm Echo, officers are carrying out proactive patrols and enforcement activity to tackle the illegal and anti-social use of e-scooters and off-road bikes across our communities. The operation focuses on improving public safety, reducing nuisance behaviour, and preventing serious injury.
If you are stopped whilst riding an e-scooter illegally, potential consequences may include:
Seizure of the e-scooter
Fixed penalty notices
Penalty points added to your driving licence (or future licence entitlement)
Prosecution for offences such as driving without insurance
Increased insurance costs in future
We are also asking for the community's support. If you have information about where illegal e-scooters or off-road bikes are being stored, kept, or regularly used, please report this to Northamptonshire Police. Information from residents helps us identify repeat issues and act where appropriate.
Reports can be made via 101, online through the Northamptonshire Police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Thank you for your continued support.