E-Scooters
Dear Parents/Guardians & Pupils
There is a lot of confusion regarding the use of E-scooters on our roads across Merseyside. Liverpool has been nominated as one of several cities to trial the rental orange e-scooters operated by VOI and they have been given a temporary VSO (vehicle special order) to allow them to operate and riders to ride E-scooters legally.
It is important to understand that Private E-scooters (i.e. any scooters not operated by VOI) have not been given a VSO and are therefore illegal to use except on private land and then, only with landowner’s permission.
With regards to the VOI trial scooters, there are strict conditions attached to their use as they are classed as motor vehicles
- The person who hires the e-scooter must be 18 and have a UK driver’s licence.
- The company renting the vehicle must have insurance for the person hiring.
- The person must follow traffic laws whilst in control of a rental e-scooter.
- E-scooters travel at around maximum speed of 15.5 mph
- The person hiring must keep to the terms of the rental scheme
In the case of privately owned E-Scooters:
- They cannot be used on the roads or public spaces.
- They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
- Some private E-scooters can travel more than 40mph
- You cannot get insurance to use these on the road.
- These can be seized by police for no insurance or the rider having no licence.
There have been road traffic collisions involving e-scooters and we want to keep people safe on our roads. The rider of the rental E-scooters may be fined if found committing traffic offences and be given points on their licences.
If you have any issues, or witness any incidents you can contact VOI directly on 0800-3768179 or support@voiapp.io
Road Safety Team Liverpool City Council