Debate over whether e-scooters should be allowed on public roads is picking up pace after St Helier’s Roads Committee agreed to put a proposal regarding legislation enabling legal use of the two-wheeled vehicles to the Infrastructure Minister.

It marks the latest development in the island’s protracted discussions surrounding the current rules around electric scooters and how they are enforced.

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 and the Motor Traffic (Third-Party Insurance) (Jersey) Law 1948.

This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters – including the need to have a licence and insurance.

Pictured: It is not currently permitted to use e-scooters on public roads, footpaths or cycle lanes.

However, it is not currently possible to get specific insurance or a driving licence
for e-scooters.

This means that those who ride an e-scooter – or an e-bike that can go faster than 15.5mph – on public roads, footpaths or cycle lanes are committing an offence.

Depending on the offence committed, perpetrators could end up with a fine, driving ban, or even a prison sentence. Their e-scooter or e-bike could also be permanently confiscated.

Plans to “integrate” e-scooters into the transport network

Earlier this year, St Helier Roads Committee member Bernie Manning presented a report setting out several reasons to legalise e-scooters, ranging from traffic relief to environmental benefits and cost-efficiency.

“While e-scooters remain prohibited in Jersey, they offer notable benefits if introduced responsibly,” the report stated.

“A well regulated approach – incorporating safety measures, infrastructure adjustments, and legal clarity – could help integrate e-scooters into Jersey’s transport network, balancing innovation with public safety.”

Pictured: The report was discussed by the St Helier Roads Committee during a meeting at the Town Hall.

Providing an update to Express following the Committee’s meeting on Wednesday, Mr Manning said that the report had since been “tightened” and that it had been agreed to put proposed legislation to the Infrastructure Minister to see if he would “take it forward”.

He explained that the proposed law had been “left open” as to whether it could see e-scooters legalised on St Helier’s roads only, or for island-wide use.