The Government is being urged to bring forward legislation on private e-scooters on the back of statistics showing nearly 800 children have been caught driving or riding without insurance over the last four years.
The data, published by IAM RoadSmart following an FOI request to DVLA, shows 375 children aged between 13 and 16 years were issued with an IN10 endorsement – the offence code for using an uninsured vehicle – last year.
This compares to just 17 in 2021.
The data also revealed that the number of IN10s handed to those aged 17-21 years, who are legally able to hold a licence, has increased in the last three years.
There was a 30% rise in the number of 17-year-olds caught driving or riding without insurance in 2024 compared to 2023, and a huge increase of more than 700% compared to 2021.
IAM RoadSmart has attributed the figures to a rise in the popularity of e-scooters.
Given it is illegal to use private e-scooters on public roads or in public spaces, it is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, said: “The number of children caught driving or riding without insurance is shocking and is likely to be down to those riding e-scooters.
“Although it’s illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, they are widely available for sale. It’s estimated that more than 750,000 private e-scooters have been bought.
“The Government needs to urgently bring forward legislation on private e-scooters, which must include minimum type approval device standards, speed limiters and proposals for riders to have a minimum level of competency.”
Of the 51 e-scooter rider deaths (UK 2019 to 1March2025), 7 have been children under 18. That is 14% compared with the death rate of child cyclists of 8% (DfT average 2019-23). Indeed, if only DfT data is used, the e-scooter child death rate is 17%, double the child cyclist rate……all riding illegally with the support or knowledge of parents.
The question must be asked why are authorities not targeting irresponsible parents? The latest e-scooter rider deaths involved brother and sister Roman (16) and Darcie (9) Casselden who were riding an e-scooter on 1February in Basildon, on the road, in the dark when they collided with a car. The Police and media focus appears to be whether the car driver was driving carelessly or dangerously. What on earth were their parents thinking of, and why are the not being criticised, or even prosecuted? Even the parents of the 14 year old rider who killed pedestrian Linda Davis (71), riding in excess of 20mph (as the court found) on the pavement in Rainworth Notts on 2June2022 only received a “parenting order”.
peter croft, Nottingham
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This is such a grey area, so many e-scooters are being used in various ways although in my area you do not see many being used on roads as such. I think e-bikes are more of a problem, these food delivery riders are a complete menace on our roads. The speed they go at is rediculous, rider road sense seems non existent judging by what I see. If e-scooters need insurance then certainly e-bikes are more of a case for this, as they are more widely used on the roads that e-scooters. Bring in insurance and also a case for crash helmets certainly for e-bikes.
Michael Hancox/Colan Ltd, Warwick
+2