E-scooters blamed for surge in number of uninsured teenage drivers

The Rise in Uninsured Child Drivers and Riders: A Growing Concern

In the last four years, nearly 800 children have been caught driving or riding without insurance, according to an analysis by IAM RoadSmart, a leading road safety charity. This alarming trend has been partly attributed to the growing popularity of e-scooters, which have become a common sight on roads and public spaces. The data shows that one in 10 of these incidents involved children aged 14 or below, raising serious concerns about road safety and the legal implications of uninsured riding. The charity highlights that while e-scooters are widely available for purchase, their use on public roads remains illegal, and it is impossible to obtain insurance for them. This has led to a rise in police seizures of these vehicles and penalties for riders caught without insurance.

The E-Scooter Problem: Legal Loopholes and Misunderstandings

The rise in e-scooter popularity has created a significant challenge for road safety authorities. Despite their growing presence, privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads or in public spaces in most parts of the UK. The only legal way to use e-scooters on roads is through government-backed trials, which are currently operating in 22 regions in England. These trials typically require riders to be 16 or older, and there are no rental schemes available in Scotland or Wales. However, the widespread availability of e-scooters in shops and online has led to many people, including parents, purchasing them as gifts for children, often under the mistaken belief that they can be legally used on roads. IAM RoadSmart has warned that this misunderstanding is putting young riders at risk of legal repercussions and safety hazards.

The Call for Legislative Action: Regulating E-Scooters

IAM RoadSmart has urged the government to take urgent action to address the legal and safety issues surrounding private e-scooters. The charity argues that the current situation is unsustainable, with over 750,000 private e-scooters estimated to have been sold in the UK, many of which are being used illegally. Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and standards, has called for comprehensive legislation that would introduce minimum safety standards for e-scooters, including speed limiters and requirements for riders to demonstrate a basic level of competency. Such measures would help to reduce the risks associated with e-scooter use and ensure that riders are held accountable for their actions on the road.

Uninsured Driving Among Young motorist: A Worrying Trend

The issue of uninsured driving is not limited to e-scooters; it is also a growing problem among young motorists. According to IAM RoadSmart, the number of young people receiving IN10 endorsements for driving without insurance has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, 7,234 people aged between 17 and 21 were issued with IN10 endorsements, more than double the 3,340 recorded in 2021. In contrast, the number of uninsured driving offenses among drivers over the age of 22 has fallen during the same period. The charity attributes this trend to the rising cost of car insurance, which has become unaffordable for many young motorists. This highlights the need for policymakers to address the affordability of insurance for young drivers and to find ways to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the road.

The Societal Impact: Keeping Young Riders Safe

The increasing number of uninsured young riders and drivers has serious implications for road safety and the well-being of young people. E-scooters, in particular, pose a significant risk of injury to both riders and other road users, as they are often used without proper protective gear or training. The fact that many young riders are unaware of the legal restrictions on e-scooter use further exacerbates the problem, as they may unintentionally break the law and face penalties. Parents also play a role in this issue, as many are unaware of the legal status of e-scooters when they buy them for their children. This highlights the need for better public education and awareness campaigns to inform both young people and their parents about the risks and legal consequences of riding e-scooters on public roads.

The Path Forward: Legislative and Educational Solutions

To address the growing problem of uninsured driving and riding among young people, IAM RoadSmart is calling for a dual approach that combines legislative action with public education. The charity believes that the government must take urgent steps to regulate private e-scooters, ensuring that they meet minimum safety standards and that riders are held accountable for their actions. At the same time, there must be a greater effort to educate young people and their parents about the risks and legal implications of riding without insurance. By taking these steps, the UK can reduce the number of uninsured drivers and riders on its roads and create a safer environment for all road users. The future of road safety depends on finding a balance between the convenience and popularity of e-scooters and the need to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children and young people.