Liverpool e-scooter warning issued as riders reminded of rules

Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police are reminding e-scooter riders to follow the law and stay safe when travelling around the city.

E-scooters have become an increasingly common sight in Liverpool, with the city currently taking part in a Government-approved rental trial operated by Bolt.

The council partnered with Bolt last year to provide 2,000 rental e-scooters across Liverpool, giving people another option for making shorter journeys around the city.

However, council and police officials are stressing that privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and in public parks.

Private e-scooters can only legally be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner.

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act, meaning they require insurance, tax and registration. These are not currently available for privately owned e-scooters.

Only e-scooters being used as part of a Government-approved trial can legally be ridden on public roads and cycle lanes.

In Liverpool, this means Bolt-branded rental e-scooters are currently the only e-scooters permitted for use on public roads as part of the trial being delivered in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Riders must hold at least a provisional driving licence, while insurance is provided through Bolt as long as users comply with the scheme’s terms and conditions.

The safety reminder comes after Government figures recorded 1,312 road traffic collisions involving e-scooters during 2024, including 49 in Merseyside.

Bolt users must be aged 18 or over to register and hire an e-scooter. Anyone riding using another person’s account will not be covered by the scheme’s insurance and could be held liable in the event of an accident.

Children are not permitted to use Bolt e-scooters.

The company also operates a number of safety measures across its Liverpool fleet. Riders are required to complete an in-app cognitive reaction test before beginning a journey at night in an attempt to discourage drink driving.

Only one person is permitted on each e-scooter, with tandem riding prohibited.

Users must also submit a photograph showing how they have parked the scooter at the end of every journey.

Bolt uses AI-powered photo validation and geofencing technology to check vehicles have been left correctly and are not blocking pavements or creating hazards for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and people using prams.

A number of locations across Liverpool are also designated as no-ride zones. E-scooters will automatically stop operating if riders enter one of these areas.

Anyone found breaching Bolt’s terms and conditions can have their account suspended or permanently banned.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: 

“E-scooters are a fantastic active travel option for getting around the city. They’re a great way to avoid congestion and reach your destination quickly.

“However, it is important that people follow the law when using e-scooters and only use rental e-scooters authorised through local authority schemes when travelling on public roads.

“The rules are there to keep everyone safe, whether they’re walking, wheeling, cycling or driving.”

Superintendent Paul Holden, lead for Operation Gears, said:

“It’s important that people understand that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. We would encourage parents, carers and young people to familiarise themselves with the rules and ensure they are using e-scooters legally and responsibly.

“Through Operation Gears, our officers continue to proactively target the illegal use of e-scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles across Merseyside. We have seized thousands of vehicles being used unlawfully, and we will continue to enforce the law to help keep our roads, pavements and public spaces safe.

“The e-scooter rental scheme provides a legal and regulated way for people to use e-scooters, and it is important that those using the scheme, as well as other road users and pedestrians, can travel safely and with confidence.”

Georgia Heathman, UK Policy Lead at Bolt: 

“E-scooters are changing how people move around Liverpool. They cut congestion and get people where they need to go faster. That convenience only works if riders stay safe and stay legal. 

“That’s why every Bolt scooter comes with insurance, a cognitive reaction test before each ride at night and AI-powered checks to make sure parking doesn’t block pavements or create hazards. 

“Follow the rules and e-scooters are one of the safest, easiest ways to get around the city.”