Many parents, young people and other riders are unaware of either the dangers or offences that may be committed on mini motorbikes and electric scooters.
Mini motos, mopeds, gopeds, scramblers and electric scooters are motor vehicles for the purpose of the Road Traffic Act and therefore the following legal requirements apply to them:
Mini motos, mopeds, gopeds, scramblers and electric scooters cannot be used in public parks, estates, pavements or open spaces (without the permission of the appropriate authorities). They can only be used on private land with the direct permission of the owner, and provided noise is not excessive.
If a motor vehicle is used in a manner which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress it may be seized by the police under the Police Reform Act 2002. Once it has been seized, the owner must pay a fee currently of £105 plus a £12 daily storage charge. After 21 days the vehicle may be destroyed. Offenders can be subject to prosecution, with a fine of up to £1,000.
Police and community support officers can also issue an £80 fixed penalty notice when the behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Information about the misuse of these machines can be used to obtain antisocial behaviour orders, injunctions or other court orders against perpetrators who cause harassment, alarm or distress in the misuse of such machines.
Council and registered social landlords may consider the misuse of mini motos, mopeds, gopeds, scramblers and electric scooters as a breach of the conditions of their tenancy and start possession proceedings.