Personal Light Electric Vehicles
(PLEV) This is the government term applied to any vehicle that is powered by electricity that is not a bike, car, motorcycle or mobility scooter.
Electric Scooters
Until a change in the law occurs, the use of e-scooters and other powered transporters is prohibited on campus for either private or commercial use. Sanctions will be employed for those caught using or storing an e-scooter on campus, including referral of the matter to the police when appropriate.
The Law
E-scooters are not illegal in the UK and you can buy, sell and own one perfectly legally. However, it is illegal to use an e-scooter in public unless it is rented as part of a recognised trial scheme.
The University campus is classed as public land, meaning it is subject to the same law for e-scooters as the rest of Lancaster. This means it is illegal to ride them on pavements, footpaths, cycle lanes and in pedestrianised zones. It also means that e-scooters fall under the same laws that govern the use of cars and other motor vehicles.
To be ridden on public roads they must have indicators, rear lights, a licence plate and tax and insurance, unless they are part of the government-approved trials being carried out across the UK. E-scooters being hired through these schemes are restricted to 15.5mph and aren't currently available in or around Lancaster.
Enforcement
Wondering what might happen if you ignore the rules?
The University's policy around Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV's) is supported and enforced by Lancashire Constabulary. If you are caught using an e-scooter, you may be sanctioned either by the University, or by Police enforcement accordingly. The University has formalised it's position on e-scooters and other PLEVs to adhere to UK Law and asks that students, staff, tenants and visitors do not bring e-scooters on to campus under any circumstances.
In some cases, e-scooters may be confiscated and fines may be issued in accordance with the University's Policy and UK Law.