Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached information from The Safer Essex Roads Partnership regarding the use of e-scooters by children.

Use of privately owned e-scooters in public spaces (roads, cycle tracks, parks etc.) is against the law for anyone, but use by children is leading to serious injuries and children being killed.  

Please read the information with regards to the law and risks associated with them allowing children to use any type of e-scooter. Please see the attached  e-scooter brochure  which explains the legal difference between the trial e-scooters for hire and some of the risks associated with riding.

On the approach to Summer break, those unaware of the law, or the risks to  children, may be considering buying one as a gift. Unfortunately it is not illegal to buy one and the shops and on-line outlets do not make it clear enough that they may only be used on privately owned land.

The key points  are that:

Privately owned e-scooters (most of which are plain black) are illegal for anyone of any age to ride in any public place. E-scooters you can buy from shops like Halfords and Smyths or online can only be used on privately owned land, with the landowner’s permission.
Parents providing an e-scooter for their child are putting them at risk on the roads. The children are unlikely to be aware of the Highway Code, are unlikely to wear a helmet or anything to make them visible to other road users,  are unlikely to have the observation skills required, are likely to carry a passenger making the scooter unstable and, travelling at speeds of 15mph, are likely to be seriously injured if they fall off or are involved in a collision.  
 
Regards
School Office