It is important for the police to obtain as much information as possible with regards to the details of the car/bike and also the driver/rider and passengers. You do not have to disclose your details to the police if you are fearful of reprisals.
It is best to contact the police as soon as the cars/bikes arrive so that the police have a better chance of apprehending those responsible.You can report nuisance motor vehicles to your local police force via their 101 non-emergency number.
Therefore, they cannot be used on the road unless they are taxed (if required), registered, have an MOT (if required), are insured and the driver has a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle. If any of these requirements are not met, the vehicle can't legally be driven/ridden on the road.
In reality, many of these types of vehicles will never be 'road legal' because their design fails to meet road-vehicle safety standards.
Note also that it's an offence to use such vehicles on the pavement too.
They cannot be used on council land e.g. parks, unless there is a designated area specifically for them. In some areas, there may be commercially operated parks where they can be used.
They can only legally be used on private land/property with the permission of the land/property owner. However, note that it's against the law for a child under 13 to drive/ride on a tractor or self-propelled vehicle e.g. a quad, when it's being used in agricultural operations.
Electric bikes
Electric bikes known as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) can be used on the road as long as they meet certain requirements (see Q605) and the rider is at least 14 years old.
EAPCs aren't classed as motor vehicles and so don't require insurance and the driver doesn't need a driving licence. Additionally, they are exempt from having to be registered and vehicle tax.
EAPCs cannot be used on the pavement.
Electric scooter trials
In some parts of the UK, you can legally rent an electric scooter as part of a government trial – this is explained here.
There are two types of electric scooter/go-peds/mini moto, those which only reach a maximum speed of 5mph and those whose maximum speed is above that. The ones that have the lower speed are classed as toys and not a mechanically propelled vehicle.
The other ones which have a maximum speed of 15/20 mph are classed as a mechanically propelled vehicles and are subject to the same regulations as motor vehicles if used on public roads, i.e. they must be taxed and insured and the user must hold a licence and wear a helmet. It is likely that if insurance companies did provide such insurance it would be very expensive.
However it is unlikely that the vehicle would be road worthy i.e. the brakes, tyres etc would not be up to the standard required by law.
If you know the details of a youth that is driving a go-ped (also known as buzz boards)/scooter/mini moto on the pavement then contact your local police station who will advise the youth and parents/ guardians of the safest use for these items.
You can report these and any other nuisance motor vehicles to your local police force via their 101 non-emergency number.
If you know the names of the youths involved and the registration number of any vehicles involved, then contact Police Scotland by dialling 101. It is important to contact the police as soon as the youths in the cars arrive, as it will give the police a better chance of catching them.
The cars used are often what is known as pool cars and have no insurance, MOT and tax. If you are aware of where these cars are being left then contact the police so that they can take appropriate action.
You can report this or any other nuisance motor vehicles to your local police force via their 101 non-emergency number.
If the land is council owned then it is unlikely that they will have given permission for the youths to ride their quad bikes on it. If the youths are appearing on a regular basis then contact your local police station who will endeavor to send a patrol unit out to disperse the youths.
There are two types of electric scooter, those which only reach a maximum speed of 5mph, and those whose maximum speed is above that. The ones that have the lower speed are classed as toys and not a mechanically propelled vehicle. The other ones who have a maximum speed of 15/20 mph these are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles and are subject to the same regulations as motor vehicles if used on public roads, i.e. they must be taxed and insured and the user must hold a licence and wear a helmet. It is likely that even if insurance companies did provide such insurance it would be very expensive.
The latter cannot be used on the pavement and can only be used on private land with the permission of the owner. They cannot be used on council land unless there is a designated area specifically for them.
If you know the details of a youth that is driving a go-ped (also known as buzz boards)/scooter/mini moto on the pavement then contact your local police station who will advise the youth and parents/ guardian of the safest use for these items.
Type of vehicle | Can it be used on the road? | Can it be used on the pavement? |
Bicycle/tricycle | Yes | No. Note that whilst there is no specific exemption in relation to children cycling on the pavement, the police will often use discretion. |
Electrically assisted pedal cycle | Yes – but rider must be at least 14 years old | No |
Electric scooter | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Electric skateboard | No | No |
Go-cart | No | No |
Go-ped (electric/petrol) | No | No |
Invalid carriage (class 1) | Only if a pavement is not available or to cross the road | Yes |
Invalid carriage (class 2) – used by a disabled person | Only if a pavement is not available or to cross the road | Yes – maximum speed of 4 mph |
Invalid carriage (class 3) – used by a disabled person | Yes – maximum speed of 8 mph. Can't use bus lanes, cycle only lanes or motorways. You should avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit over 50 mph. You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway. | Yes – maximum speed of 4 mph |
Kick scooter | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Lawnmower (ride-on) | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Mini-moto | No | No |
Pit bike | No | No |
Quad bike | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Trials/scrambling motorcycle | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Roller skates/blades | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Segway gyroscopic self-balancing scooter | No | No |
Skateboard | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
