First hoverboards, now electric scooters! This year’s must-have gadget first gained popularity in the USA, and now electric scooter-fever has hit Britain.
But if you’re planning to ride your electric scooter on the road, think twice - here in the UK, they are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs).
This means that although they are not subject to taxes or registration, they are illegal to ride unless you are on private land. Sadly, you won’t be able to commute to work on one!
As fun as they may be, electric scooters (also known as e-scooters) do come with a few safety risks. Read on for our advice on using and charging yours safely.
Electric Scooter Safety
- Only use the charger supplied by the manufacturer, and never leave your electric scooter charging unattended.
- If there are no instructions on charging safely, do not buy it.
- Don’t leave your electric scooter in very hot or very cold temperatures. Instead, store it in a cool, dark place.
- If any part of your scooter appears damaged (including the charger, cable and/or socket) stop using it immediately.
- Only purchase from a reputable retailer - don’t buy from market stalls, social media or online marketplaces. If you are buying online, follow our advice to make sure you shop safely.
- Ensure that the electric scooter is of good quality - check for misspellings, bad translations and attempts to copy larger brands.
- Faulty electrical items will often be missing warranty cards and instructions.
- If you suspect that you have a sub-standard or faulty electric scooter, stop using it immediately and report the fault to the manufacturer or retailer. You can also contact the Citizens Advice helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
- Always wear a sturdy, high-quality helmet when riding your electric scooter.
Fun Facts
- Scooters were first invented in Germany in 1817.
- 1 million miles of scooting saves £130,000 in petrol costs!
- An electric scooter is a great way to minimise your carbon footprint
- The first electric scooters available for hire in Europe are located in Paris
- San Francisco has temporarily pulled electric scooters from its streets as it seeks to minimise accidents