e scooters

Mike Abbott
Mike Abbott Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited August 2021 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Just a quick question relating to E Scooters ? I am a concerned member regarding the use of E scooters on sites ? As a member we should only be doing 5 mph around sites when driving a vehicle and also fully insured ? wondering what the Clubs veiws are on the use of E scooters doing 25 mph plus ! around sites ? also the damage liabilty & insurance issues in the event of an accident or injury to persons or posessions ie vehicles, caravans, and awnings etc ?

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  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #2

    Well, that's odd as site leaflets used to stipulate that such scooters were not permitted on site (disability scooters being the exception) but now there is no mention in the site rules or site leaflets unless I’ve missed it. There is, though, mention that the 5mph speed limit applies to all vehicles.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #3

    I think the top speed for e scotters is the same as for ebikes - 15.5 mph but they can be ridden only on certain areas:

    the only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those rented as part of government-backed trials.
    If you own an e-scooter, you can only use it on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements

    btw for ebikes that is to say an ebike's motor will only assist to 15.5 mph but all vehicles are limited to 5mph on site.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #4

    MA, have you actually seen them being ridden around a site at the speeds you write about? If so did you query there use with the site wardens, as they should have been able to give you the Club's views on them.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited August 2021 #5
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #6

    An interesting set of questions regarding on site use, risk, liability and insurance though. For example how could insurance be legally effective, inforced and enforced if the scooter is being used on private land without the owners permission.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #7

    30 KpH! I haven't seen one for sale in the UK that has a top speed more than 15.5 mph (25 Kmh), and legally that is the top speed in the UK under various trail schemes.

    While it may be easy it would/may invalidate any warranty and/or insurance.  In the case of my ebike that would certainly apply.

    I would be interested to see one for sale in the UK that has a top speed greater than 15.5 mph? Could you share?

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #8

    In the same way as if you were driving any road vehicle on private land without permission. 

    What are powered transporters?
    The term “powered transporters” covers a variety of novel personal transport devices which are mechanically propelled (propelled by a motor) as well as or instead of being manually propelled. It includes e-scooters, Segways, hoverboards, go-peds (combustion engine-powered kick-scooters), powered unicycles, and u-wheels.

    This term does not include electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), which have their own regulatory framework

    What law applies to the use of powered transporters?
    There is no specially-designed legal regime for powered transporters. This means that they are covered by the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles.

    The definition of “motor vehicle” as set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 is “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”. There is case law confirming that powered transporters fall within this definition (see section 8 of this information sheet).

    The law aims to ensure safety, consistency, and environmental sustainability in the manufacture and use of motor vehicles. Failures to comply with these rules are criminal offences for which users can be arrested and prosecuted

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited August 2021 #9
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #10

    Well easy to show and prove that DD, post a link for one for sale that has a top speed of more 15.5 mph. I've looked at a number of shops or sales sites that sell them but I can't find one above 15.5, so perhaps you can share?

    As I said easy to prove you're correct?

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited August 2021 #11

    There are several scooters at 45kph on the market and even more above 15kph

    for example

    : HUABANCHE
    3.0 out of 5 stars 5 Reviews
    Electric Scooter Adult Fast 50 Km/h, 500W Motor 13Ah 48V Battery 45 Km Long Range, 10 Inch Off-road Tires Foldable Commuter E-Scooter with Seat for Adults
    Electric Scooter Adult Fast 50 Km/h, 500W Motor 13Ah 48V Battery 45 Km Long Range, 10 Inch Off-road Tires Foldable Commuter E-Scooter with Seat for Adults





  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #12

    removed - double post

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #13

    Post the shop or sales sites too please?

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #14

    Actually quite interesting, I've looked at a range of shops (Halfords, Currys, Pure electric, ecomove, Argos...) and they are all at 15.5 mph, the only way to buy above that speed is through places like Amazon (actually I've only found Amazon), I wonder why that is? 

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited August 2021 #15

    There, that was easywink

    ive also seen ebikes with 'performance' motors which have assistance upto 25mph (rather than 15.5) but they carry a warning about road use etc.

    hasnt prevented one or two belting past our place....

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #16

    they are legally not ebikes BB and good to know you can spot such things belting past at such speeds.

    One should really inform the police as they are breaking the law on a number of issues

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,045 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #17

    We see quite a few escooters belting around our area, definitely faster than 15.5 mph, and on pavements. They are easily obtainable, legislation is fine providing there is the means to enforce it in place. Sadly not the case I am afraid. Never seen one on a Club Site though, and sure Wardens would deal with it if it happened.

    My ebike regularly does over 15.5mph. If I use top speed and pedal like billyo, sure I could do an ET😁 It’s governed to only assist up to 15.5mph though. That’s on the flat though, and mucking around. Normally any assist is for inclines, so much slower.

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited August 2021 #18

    Indeed corners

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited August 2021 #19

    I am not sure why it is legal to sell scooters that are not legal for use on public land without warnings.

    My neighbour purchased one from Halfords and was not told about the legalities of its use.

    Police do not enforce the law on this issue and even the ones for hire are often seen in our area with up to 3 young kids at a time riding along pavements.

  • Mike Abbott
    Mike Abbott Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited August 2021 #20

    Hi Nellie The honest answer is No i didn't speak to the wardens on site as it was pointles as they were riding past the office and their accomodation units also the would have seen them whilst cleaning the 2 toilet blocks ? Regards Mike !

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #21

    Perhaps you need to approach the club and point out the inaction of the wardens.

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #22

    Can't recall where but I'm sure I've seen something (in writing) very recently that stated that e-scooters were not permitted to be ridden on club sites.  Will see if I can find it.  

  • Goldie146
    Goldie146 Club Member Posts: 2,448 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #23
  • Goldie146
    Goldie146 Club Member Posts: 2,448 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #24

    double post - Deleted User by me

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #25

    Well if it concerned me so much I would have queried with the warden whether or not they were allowed to travel at those speeds through the site. Depending on his response I would certainly have taken the matter further if not satisfied with it.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #26

    Definitely says that e scooters are not allowed on site.

    "Bikes, scooters and skateboards
    Bikes, scooters and skateboards are allowed, but we ask you to keep your speed down to walking pace on the site and to be aware of uneven surfaces. Please follow the site's one-way system.
    Please refer to Club Site Rule 13 for information on road safety.
    For the safety and consideration of others, we don't allow the use of petrol or electric scooters on site."

  • SteveM
    SteveM Forum Participant Posts: 10
    edited August 2021 #27

    Interesting to see other members airing their concerns. We were on a site last week and not for the first time noticed an increase in numbers of E scooters, not in the same numbers as E bikes though. The majority by far were being used by children and I don't recall seeing any wearing helmets. Like other members here, we are concerned about what happens if a youngster loses control and ends up seriously hurting themselves, other members and members' cars and caravans etc. Ok, this could happen if someone loses control of their pedal cycle etc but a motorised form of transport is likely to do more harm/damage. As the Club has forbidden their use on site, maybe a message could go out to all members emails and the magazine pointing this out for everyone's safety? 

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2021 #28

    And also a memo to site wardens pointing out the fact that they are banned, as per Club Site Rule 13, and informing them that they should ensure that all users are stopped from using them on site. 

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited September 2021 #29

    There is a very sad article on the UK BBC news web page today regarding the tragic death of a 20 year old, due to the illegal use of an e-scooter. 

    Even though the use of private scooters can only be used on private property, the article had a number of points worth noting. 

    It was commented that helmets should become mandatory.

    The scooter was bought online, therefore illegal on public roads, pavements etc.

    The most powerful scooters available online are capable of 68 mph. ( from one of the links)

    What is the law on e-scooters?
    E-scooters can only be used on public roads if rented as part of a government-backed trial
    Private owners of e-scooters can only use them on private land and not public roads, cycle lanes or pavements
    To use an e-scooter from an official trial, you need to have category Q entitlement on your driving licence
    Cycle helmets are recommended for e-scooter riders, but not legally required
    Inappropriate use of e-scooters could lead to riders having it seized, having their accounts to hire one suspended, being prosecuted or fined,

    Are they dangerous?
    The exact number of crashes involving e-scooters is said to be under-reported however Ch Supt Simon Ovens from the Met Police said the numbers were increasing "sharply".

     

    Questions in my mind following the above article and original post is:-

    Why do parents allow their children the illegal and dangerous use of these scooters.

    If the scooters are not legal and not permitted on club sites, why do members take them to club sites.  

    Why do schools allow students to ride them to and from school

    More importantly why do the police take no action and why are they available so readily.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2021 #30

    As a matter of interest something similar to your concerns happened to us whilst we were on holiday with the caravan in Germany.

    A Quad bike driven by a 14 year old young lady careered off the pavement and headed straight for our caravan hitting the nearside front passenger door head on. We were in the caravan at the time and on a campsite and merely heard the bang and screams of the young lady's friends. Very, very fortunately she only suffered minor injuries. The door was badly dented but usable and we exchanged insurance details with the parents of the girl. The family's household insurers, Zurich, eventually settled my out of pocket expenses, the excess, and my own motor insurer was also reimbursed.

    I was rather surprised at the fact that the household insurer picked up the liability as most household insurance policies tend to exclude anything to do with motorised accidents.

    It would be interesting to see if UK insurers were similarly inclined if something happened with an e-scooter. I would hope these machines are insured separately but don't know anyone with one to ask.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2021 #31

    More importantly why do the police take no action and why are they available so readily.

    BM, I read an article only recently stating how many prosecutions the police have made for illegal use of these machines and was surprised at how high the number was. Unfortunately I can't remember the number but it was in the thousands, if my memory is working properly.

    I think the Police will take action if they are around to see the illegal use but there is a shortage of Police  ( like everything else at the moment it seems).