Honorary police are reminding islanders that e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads or cycle paths following a recent spate of accidents.
Recently published stats have shown that as many as one in six households in Jersey own an electric bike or e-scooter – and, according to St Helier’s force, too many of these are being used in the wrong places.
“We have seen several accidents involving e-scooter users recently, highlighting the risks of using them in public spaces,” officers said on social media.
“These scooters must not be used on roads or in public places anywhere on the island.
“Please respect the law and help keep our roads and pathways safe for everyone.”
The warning comes after a number of more serious incidents in recent years which have led to injuries.
In June 2024, two young e-scooter riders – a 12-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man – ended up in hospital with head injuries following separate collisions, which took place within 48 hours of each other.
Meanwhile, Sarah Highfield suffered a broken leg when she was hit by an e-scooter in May 2023 when 25-year-old Toby Woolley collided with her.
Following her injury, she told Express at the time that she wanted more islanders to realise how dangerous e-scooters can be – describing them as “powerful machines that fall outside of the law”.
“Because they are illegal on public roads, they are completely unregulated, with no apparent need for lights, helmets, insurance or abiding by a speed limit,” she said.
She said: “It seems to me that the law needs to catch up, and fast.”
That stance was backed by Advocate George Pearce, of BCR Law, who said the island has an “absurd” legal position when it comes to e-scooter use – and it is in urgent need of sorting for the safety of all road users.
Following the July 2024 incident, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan pledged that legislation for e-scooters would be discussed by Ministers – though no legislation has been proposed since then.
In the absence of legislation, some islanders – including several owners of businesses operating on promenades – suggested that alternative actions could be taken.
Havre des Pas-based Good Egg café owner Kate Mills previously told Express she wanted the Government to set up official signs to urge e-scooters and e-cyclists to slow down or to dismount after the signs she put up were largely ignored.