Illegal Use Of Motorcycles, E-Bikes and E-Scooters - A letter to Parents

Illegal Use Of Motorcycles, E-Bikes and E-Scooters - A letter to Parents

Dear Parent/Carer,

2026 Christmas Message to Parents and Carers – E-Scooters and Electric Motorbikes

With Christmas approaching, we are aware that e-scooters and electric motorbikes are increasingly popular with young people and may be on Christmas lists this year. We would ask parents and carers to be aware of the legal position before purchasing one.

At present, e-scooters cannot legally be used in any public places in Scotland. This includes roads, pavements, cycle paths, parks and other areas where the public have access. They can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.

Similarly, many electric motorbikes and off-road electric bikes are not legal for use on public roads or other public places.

If a young person is found using a e-scooter or motorbike in public, Police Scotland can take enforcement action. This may include seizure and destruction of the vehicle and reporting the rider for road traffic offences. Depending on the offence and the circumstances, this can result in fines, penalty points and consequences for their ability to obtain or retain a driving licence in the future.

Parents and carers should also be aware that, depending on the circumstances, there may be legal consequences where a vehicle has been caused or permitted to be used unlawfully. 

Purchasing a vehicle for a young person and allowing them to use it in circumstances where its use is illegal could therefore have implications for the parent or carer and could result in them being reported to the Procurator Fiscal for offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Our intention is not to discourage the safe and responsible use of legal forms of electric transport. We simply want parents and carers to have the correct information before making a Christmas purchase.

Please take a few minutes to check the legal requirements for any vehicle before purchasing it and discuss with your child where it can and cannot legally be used.

Thank you for helping us keep young people and our communities safe.

Yours sincerely,

Fraser Simpson

Dunfermline Community Policing Team