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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get an electric scooter for my 40th

89 replies

MsScoot · 27/03/2021 16:34

My husband was going to get me an electric scooter for my 40th. I can’t drive and I think it would be fun, and I could use it for getting to/from work.

The rest of my family are horrified and think that everyone would laugh at me.

Personally I couldn’t give a fuck about randoms laughing at me , but I have noticed it really is only teenagers going about on them.

Aibu to get an electric scooter?

OP posts:
JaniceBattersby · 27/03/2021 16:36

They’re illegal to use on public roads so might not be any good for the commute

OverTheRainbow88 · 27/03/2021 16:37

They are great fun!’ Enjoy

Original poster
MsScoot · 27/03/2021 16:37

@JaniceBattersby thanks for that. I wonder if they can be used on pavements?

OP posts:
CaurnieBred · 27/03/2021 16:38

Yes. As they are illegal to use anywhere apart from private land.

And also, no. I think they are a fab way of travelling but I would make sure I was wearing a decent helmet (like a motorcycle helmet). I have a non electric one and always wore a cycle helmet when using that.

Original poster
MsScoot · 27/03/2021 16:39

They can’t legally used on pavements either

OP posts:
Happycat1212 · 27/03/2021 16:39

Thought they were illegal. Was gonna get one for my son but my mum said they were illegal in public

IstandwithJackieWeaver · 27/03/2021 16:39

They're illegal so utterly pointless. If the police stop you, they'll confiscate it. Get a bike instead. Or driving lessons.

Original poster
MsScoot · 27/03/2021 16:40

I had lessons for years but couldn’t pick it up.

OP posts:
EggysMom · 27/03/2021 16:41

They aren't legal yet.

That said, I bought one last year at age 50 So far I've only been to the postbox, but the intention is to use to commute to work, just as I see others do in my neighbourhood.

moochingtothepub · 27/03/2021 16:43

They are currently illegal to use unless on private land. Theres rental trials in certain cities. Not that you would know that, nearly ran over a circa 20 year old today who darted from between 2 cars in front of me

moochingtothepub · 27/03/2021 16:43

Why not get an electric bike, they are legal and you sit down rather than stand!

Soubriquet · 27/03/2021 16:44

I had one with a seat that got me to work

I made sure lights were all on it and I was highly visible

Police went by me a few times and never flickered an eye

However, yes it gets you to work but you then need somewhere to charge it. My work were happy to let me charge it there. Would yours?

It’s miserable to ride when it’s raining and daily use actually knackers the battery’s

I can’t use mine at the moment without buying new batteries and I only used it for 9 months

fiftiesmum · 27/03/2021 16:46

Just as illegal on the pavement and even more dangerous. At least on the road it is the scooter rider who is injured in an accident. On the pavement you could injure or kill a pedestrian who is an innocent bystander. Hate the things - I wish the police would prosecute either on road or on the pavement.
Either learn to drive, get a pedal bike or use public transport and keep streets safe

katy1213 · 27/03/2021 16:48

They're a sodding nuisance on pavements - and if you hear somebody loudly shouting 'Twat' after you, that'll be me!

1Morewineplease · 27/03/2021 16:54

Agree with @katy1213
They are a menace around here... scooting really fast past me from behind or forcing me to sidestep. I feel really sorry for the slower and more vulnerable pedestrians.
These e-scooterists also seem to travel in packs.

Hate the bloody things...BUT... give me an e-scooter and a wide, long stretch of unused tarmac, I'd be screaming with glee at max speed!

fiftiesmum · 27/03/2021 16:55

@katy1213 and me

Original poster
MsScoot · 27/03/2021 16:57

Thank you ladies!

I will not be getting one. But still desperate to have a go one one lol

OP posts:
Aqua55 · 27/03/2021 16:58

Some cities have legal ones available to hire

timegoesbysoslowly · 27/03/2021 17:13

I can't drive either and my other half suggested a scooter, I'm too self conscious for this so no chance.

I've not seen anyone use one around here until the other day when a man went down our hill in middle off road, I just thought tosser.

TicTac80 · 27/03/2021 17:18

How far away is your work? I’d be asking for an electric bike (I have one and it’s fab!) as a birthday pressie. Back to OP, I’ve seen plenty of people using electric scooters around town (they use the cycle lanes). However, as PP have said, they’re illegal.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 27/03/2021 17:19

They are illegal to use except in private land. ESPECIALLY on pavements.

Get a normal scooter and get some exercise to boot.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 27/03/2021 17:20

Yes plenty of people do ride them but they are bloody annoying and dangerous!

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 27/03/2021 17:21

Hate the bloody things...BUT... give me an e-scooter and a wide, long stretch of unused tarmac, I'd be screaming with glee at max speed!

^^
Also this though

SoupDragon · 27/03/2021 17:23

I do think it's a shame they're illegal but I can't see where you could use them that would be safe really. The roads are too dangerous for the scooter and the pavements would be too dangerous for pedestrians.

Justgorgeous · 27/03/2021 17:36

Illegal and a bloody hazard. Boy flying around on one in our local town last Saturday. Police were called and it was taken off him.