E-scooter laws to be discussed in "near future”

Tuesday 25 June 2024

The Government is set to discuss the island's e-scooter legislation in the "near future” after two riders were seriously injured in collisions over the weekend.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan reiterated in this morning's States sitting that it remains illegal to use e-scooters anywhere other than private land with the landowner's permission.

Earlier this week two young e-scooter riders – a 12-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man – ended up in hospital following separate collisions within 48 hours of each other.

The younger of the two was flown to Southampton for treatment of a “significant” head injury. He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Pictured: A 12-year-old boy was injured after an e-scooter collided with a car on St Aubin's Inner Road on Saturday.

Deputy Tom Coles asked the Infrastructure Minister whether there had been progress on the Road Traffic Law and how e-scooters fit into that legislation.

In response, Constable Jehan began by wishing both injured islanders a “full and speedy recovery”.

He added: “We've received correspondence from interested parties. Some want us to regulate them, some want us to police the ban on them.

"I have spoken to a number of Ministers, and we’re going to place this on a near-future Council of Ministers meeting agenda where we can have a full discussion.”

Pictured: Inspector Callum O’Connor yesteday reminded islanders that e-scooters cannot legally be used in public.

Jersey's roads policing lead – Inspector Callum O’Connor – yesterday reminded islanders that the use of e-scooters on public roads, pavements and in other public spaces is illegal.

He said: “These devices can reach significant speeds, and without proper infrastructure and regulation, their use poses a significant risk.”

Insp O'Connor also said the force was "working closely" with colleagues in the Government's Infrastructure Department to work out how e-scooters "might be safely integrated into Jersey’s transport system".