Making our Roads Safer
Mopeds, Motorised Scooters, Monkey Bikes and Motorbike Menace
Advice to the Public
Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police would like to advise Reading consumers about the legal position on motrised scooters.
Some companies that sell scooters are telling customers that these can be used on roads and pavements- but this is not the case.
It is illegal to use motorised scooters, mini motorbikes or similar forms of motorised transport in a public place, or on the road.
The High Court has confirmed that a motorised scooter, whether powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor is a motor vehicle within the meaning of the 185 Road Traffic Act. This mans that all scooters would have to meet all the construction and use requirements.
They would be required to have:
- European Whole Vehicle Type Approval;
- be registered with the DVLA;
- be taxed and;
- fitted with a number plate.
The rider must:
- Hold a valid driving licence;
- be insured for the vehicle and;
- wear a proper motorcycle helmet.
If a trader intentionally misleads a consumer about where these scooters may be used the trader might be committing a criminal offence but also the consumer may be entitled to their money back if the goods were wrongly described.
Police now have powers to seize motor vehicles used to cause a nuisance within neighbourhoods.
Under the Police Reform Act 2002 (section 59 & 60), the police were given extra powers to deal with anti-social behaviour, and in particular those relating to vehicles being used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance.
If a motor vehicle is being driven on land without permission or without due care and attention, the Police can:
- order a person to stop driving the vehicle;
- seize and remove the vehicle and/or;
- enter premises where they have reasonable grounds to believe the vehicle may be present.
Police can seize the vehicle if the following has taken place:
- The person has been previosly warned by the Police;
- the warning has been given within the previous 12 months;
- the person riding the vehicle is warned even if they are not the owner of the vehicle and;
- the warning does not have to be in respect of the same vehicle.
Riding Offroad
You are not allowed to ride any motorbike, scooter, quad bike or mini motorbike on a footpath, towpath or in a park, open space or woodland anywhere in Reading.
This does not affect peope using mobility aids or using any of the above vehicles lawfully.
REMEMBER-
Anti-Social Behaviour may result in:
- Vehicle confiscation;
- An Anti-Social Behaviour Order and/ or;
- Tenant eviction.
If you experience problems of anti-social behaviour and motorised vehicles please contact Thames Valley Police on