A warning has been issued to e-scooter owners across Liverpool after almost 50 collisions involving the vehicles. The city council and Merseyside Police are reminding people who own and use e-scooters to stay safe and follow the law when travelling around.
Earlier this year, the council partnered with Bolt to provide 2,000 rental e-scooters. Government data recorded 1,312 road traffic collisions involving the vehicles in 2024, including 49 in Merseyside.
Private e-scooters illegal on public roads
Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner. They cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or in public parks.
This is because e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. As such, they require insurance, tax, and registration, which are not currently available for privately owned e-scooters.
Only e-scooters operating as part of government-approved trials can be used on public roads and cycle lanes. They must never be ridden on pavements or motorways.
Rules for Bolt rental scheme
Liverpool is one of a small number of areas participating in an e-scooter trial through a partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The scheme is currently operated by Bolt, meaning Bolt-branded rental e-scooters are the only e-scooters permitted for use on public roads in Liverpool.
As rental e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, users must hold at least a provisional driving licence. Riders must be aged 18 or over to register and hire an e-scooter.
Anyone using another person’s account will not be insured and may be held liable in the event of an accident. Children must not use Bolt e-scooters.
To help prevent drink driving, users are required to complete an in-app cognitive reaction test before they can begin their journey at night.
Georgia Heathman, UK policy lead at Bolt, said: "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."
Safety measures and enforcement
E-scooters are designed for one rider only. Tandem riding, where two people travel on the same e-scooter, is prohibited and can be extremely dangerous.
At the end of each journey, users must submit a photograph of their parked e-scooter. Bolt’s AI-powered photo validation and geofencing technology checks that vehicles have been parked correctly and are not obstructing pavements or creating hazards for other people, particularly wheelchair users, as well as people with visual impairments and those using prams.
Certain areas of the city are designated as no-ride zones because they are unsuitable for e-scooter use. If a rider enters one of these areas, the e-scooter will automatically stop operating.
Anyone found to be breaching Bolt’s terms and conditions may have their account suspended or be permanently banned.
Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool Council 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, Merseyside Police lead for Operation Gears, added: "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."
