To say no to 16 year old on an e-scooter?

[Imonita]

DD is 16 and has started A levels at college a couple of miles away. The bus there takes ages since it goes round the houses first, and DD isn't keen on walking. She has decided to spend her savings on an e-scooter to get there and back. I have said no since to my mind it's dangerous, it's illegal, she might lose her provisional licence before she even gets it etc etc. Her reply is that she'll be safe because she'll ride it on the pavement. So I also have visions of her mowing down an OAP and doing time! So, I know I am maybe being a little over anxious, but would you let your 16 YO have an e scooter??

No

They are a danger to everyone, not least the user.

No. The police seize them frequently. Including ones on the pavement. Plus you can still get points even if you’re on the pavement. And it’s likely to be stolen while she’s at college unless she carries/pushes it around everywhere. They’re heavy to carry and college might not let them in.

She could get a cheap bike with a decent lock.

@QuebecBagnet She's quite lazy so cycling doesn't appeal. Plus I'm not sure being a cyclsit is especially safe these days!

She could get a cheap bike with a decent lock

You just saved me typing it

This is an obvious "no" since they're illegal to use except on private land, and the fact far too many flout it makes no difference

She could get an e-bike. Not illegal. Basically the same level as effort as an e scooter.

I was going to say e-bike

I'm not sure being a cyclsit is especially safe these days!

Neither is riding a powered vehicle on the pavement, but if she's simply "lazy" the obvious answer is to suggest she walks to get her body moving before the laziness becomes a habit

My work colleague had to share a hospital ward with someone who's e scooter had chucked them off violently when it met a small jump in the pavement. Much of their face was taken off and they needed jaw reconstruction. My work colleague was bloody traumatised let alone the dude on the e scooter. They should be banned. No way would I let my child on one.

E-scooters are only legal off private property in a few places …Cambridge I think is one. But e-scooter sellers don’t tell you this. If she is in an area where they are legal she should wear a cycle helmet on one and use cycle paths where possible. Another option is an E-cycle if you don’t like how s-scooters are for balance. Or you can top up her savings and she can get a moped drivers license.

Thank you for the replies. Im so glad everyone agrees its a bad idea. Her bloody father (exDH) has said yes to it and is helping fund it so I have a fight on my hands...oh the joy of being the baddy parent

No. They are illegal and dangerous. The police near me seem to have given up seizing them given the number I see.
its not worth the points risk for her car license. Not when there are alternatives

No, it is illegal and unsafe to use them on pavements.

Absolutely no way, as others have said

Well it's illegal so no.

They are illegal and definitely should not be driven on the pavement!!!

There was a phase when I was seeing lots around where I live (London) but have just realised I have not seen that many recently. I think they are being seized by police as they are a danger - particularly on pavements - and lots of people have been complaining about them.

I would look into e-bikes or a moped (I hate mopeds, but they are better than escooters)

Agree with all the above - they're dangerous to their riders and to other road and pavement users. Silent, and for some reason the riders around here seem to like to wear all-black clothing, which makes them virtually invisible. If you can't stop her, can you at least insist on a high-vis helmet, jacket and backpack?

I think the poster that suggested an e-bike as an alternative had a good thought.

Maybe sit down with her and have a look at the way she'd have to go to get to college. If there are bike paths she can use an e-bike might be a good compromise you can all agree on and pretty safe if she's using bike paths.

They’re illegal on public roads and pavements. Discuss an e-bike or regular bike. There are some good apps which show quieter routes for cycling

How far would she have to walk to catch the bus at the point after it's been round the houses?

An E-bike is a much better idea, or a moped, at least there are rules in place around safety.

Do they both know its illegal to use on public roads?

Do they both know the police can and do seize them?

Do they both know that DD can be prosecuted if she is seen using it dangerously, ie too fast or unlit?

Do they both know that if DD hurts someone seriously she can go to prison?

If both reply yes to all of the above then let exDH buy it, DD use it, and you request the police to seize it on the first day.

It’s 2 miles. A 16yo should really be able to cycle 2 miles twice a day even not on an ebike. It’s a ten minute journey via bike.

Do they both know that DD can be prosecuted if she is seen using it dangerously, ie too fast or unlit?

you can be prosecuted regardless of speed or lights. They’re illegal fullstop. The police are definitely giving tickets for this.