To insist son sells e-scooter

[Tuxedocatty]

16 year old son got himself part time job, very pleased about that. Less pleased when he announced he’d spent first paypacket on a massive e-scooter bought off some unidentified mate. I’ve told him he has to sell it as there’s no way he can legally ride it (we live in a town) plus they’re a menace to everyone else and he could kill himself. Also we’ve already had the police around this summer to ‘have a word’ about low level antisocial behaviour. He’s claiming as he bought it with his own money we can basically eff off. His mates parents are all cool with them apparently. We’ve told him if it’s stored on our property it’s going to the tip. It’s escalating daily. AIBU?

In my town, on this side of the pond, they have become a menace. They made "laws" for them and e-bikes, but the kids don't follow them. They ride right out in front of you, ride on the sidewalks and see how close they can come to a pedestrian without running them down, ride down the middle of the road.

But the parents of these kids are all "kids will be kids", "let them have fun", "the cars can watch better/people can get off the sidewalk and let them pass". It's INSANE! As soon as one gets badly hurt, or worse, those same parents will scream from the rooftop, even if it's the child's fault.

Well what comes into your house is YOUR call, so where does he think he's going to store and charge it?

Absolutely do not charge it in the house - far too much of a fire risk and I'd bet home insurance would be invalid.

This was my first thought too

No you are not and as he is a minor you can be charged if he gets caught , including points on your licence or his future one . I would tip it

Police can seize them without issuing a warning first now (since Aug) so he runs the risk of losing his hard earned cash the first time he takes it out.

I wouldn’t want to get entrenched into opposing sides, on any topic, with a 16 year old that’s in danger of falling in with/ becoming one of a bad crowd. Try and de-escalate. Then I would find for some reason that the charger keeps blowing / you keep getting a heat warning on the electrics or some other practical reason that it’s more hassle than it’s worth to him.

Ask the police to come and impound it?

A mum and 3 young children died in a house fire near mine only a couple of weeks back caused by charging the lithium battery of an e-scooter in the house.

Yep. No shits given about it. Only problem if his county lines bosses come looking for it.

This.

I think the scooter may be the tip of the iceberg given you've had police round already.

I’m sorry son but the scooter is a no in this house. Too dangerous. I don’t want you to have one anyway because they are unsafe and illegal but at the very least It will not come in my house or be charged with my electricity.

A year or so back a charging e-bike caught fire in a house where it was upstairs and spread to adjoining properties. It caused lots of damage but luckily no injuries.

They are lethal.

I don't think they can simply do that without a warrant from the local magistrate/JP, or if it's evidence used in a crime.

It's not illegal just to merely own one.

He needs to be seen to be riding it on the public road/footpath/park, etc, (i.e. anywhere which isn't private land), before the police can seize it.

That’s difficult, understand your predicament. I loathe these scooters. (My son is younger than yours but frequently pesters me about them as all his mates have them but am standing firm).
In short, you are not being unreasonable to insist he sells it. It’s your home, your rules. I’d be mindful of the situation escalating If you were to just throw it away without telling him. It’s a tricky age for boys and they can easily defer more to peers and shut parents out which not ideal. But I would very firmly give him chance to get shot if it, and state what the consequences will be if that doesn’t happen within your chosen time frame.

I have a ‘connection/knowledge’ to the case in South Wales where boys were killed following a police ‘chase’ - unless it’s proven that it purchased from a mate down the park then I would wonder as well. Sorry OP.

incidentally I now live in a country where they are completely legal and they would be very useful but I would never charge one inside for safety reasons.

My first thought. What sort of pt job earns enough in a month ti buy one.

This was my thought too… sadly so many young people are being groomed nowadays. If you do take it to the tip then make sure your son is safeguarded as he may then “owe” people

Yep,that's the first thing I'd think as the only kids that ride those things round here are the ones who are trouble.

You cannot force him to sell it. Yanbu to try, but realistically, the harder you push the more likely he will cling to it.

I would insist he buy a helmet and high vis jacket/vest. I would ensure that it is charged outside the house- do you have an outdoor plug? I would be clear that he will pay any fines from his income and if the police seize his scooter that you would not object.

I would point out his ‘mate’ is not a good mate for offloading this piece of dangerous kit on him and encourage him to save up for an ebike that is legal and much safer to ride.

I get the point you’re making, but we do know he had the money from legit work - and have seen payslips. Also there are CL dealers where we live but tbh it’s a pretty leafy middle class area and if they sent our small and very young looking 16 y o out on a massive scooter dressed all in black they might as well hang a sign round his neck saying ‘drug dealer, please arrest’.

I dont think they're a menace, they're a quick way to get around but a bicycle would be better

Im not going to offer an opinion on your son’s situation op. However I have one, had it for 2 years now , it’s a Pure brand. Top speed is 15 mph, i live in a village, it’s a 50 min walk to town , it’s. 12 min scooter ride , I use it several times a week,l They should be regulated and legalised imo. There are problems with some people but you don’t have to ride them like lunatics. I know a few people who have them, they are so convenient, small, cheap to charge , no emissions, I love mine! Police have been past be many times and not said anything, however even if it got confiscated tomorrow it’s paid for itself in taxi and bus fairs so I’d take the hit. I love mine!

Maybe encourage him to get a legal electric bike , perhaps chip in ?

Yes they are not my cup of tea but i think most people ride them responsibly round my area

Instead of dwelling on the negatives here, its an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and get him under control. 16 isnt beyond help.

I would team up with DH/Partner and deal with the Fuck Off first. If he ever says that to you again he is out. No discussion, out of the door with his possessions on the doorstep. This needs to come from both parents. In my household it would have meant my DP drop kicking him out of the door but we have realised that this came with many negatives so avoid the physical side of things but follow up on threats.

Then clarify to him that its your house and he resides there. If you say the scooter cant come near the house. He hasnt got a choice. Again if he wants to argue the point, his bags can be packed straight away. If he continues to resist, just make the call to local police 101.

That deals with the insolence. He now knows you and your partner sing off the same singsheet and will not entertain his attitude.

It doesnt deal with the worry of what he is getting upto away from home. You need to make sure he isnt going down a dark track.