Charity IAM RoadSmart has said electric scooters are being blamed for a rise in the number of children being caught using a motor propelled vehicle without insurance.
DVLA figures reveal that children aged between 13 and 16 have been issued with a IN10 endorsement for using an uninsured vehicle and the charity are calling on the government to introduce new legislation on the electric scooters.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said, “The number of children caught driving or riding without insurance is shocking and is likely to be down to the 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.”
Lyes added, “For car drivers aged 17-24, uninsured driving is likely to be a result of cost pressure.
“Young people pay the largest insurance premiums of all and rely on vehicles for independence and work opportunities.
“While there may be some light at the end of the tunnel with premiums starting to fall, cost will remain a barrier and some may continue to break the law unless we see significant change.
“There are levers the Government can pull.
“Insurance premium tax breaks for those undertaking additional training would be a good start and can be an incentive for new drivers.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “We are carefully considering next steps on e-scooters, but in the meantime private ones remain illegal for use on public roads.
“We are committed to tackling high car insurance costs as part of our Plan for Change to raise living standards across Britain and that’s why we have set up a cross-Government taskforce to look at how we can help stabilise or reduce premiums.”
