We’ve recently seen an increase in young people riding e-scooters around the shopping centre. While we understand they can be fun and convenient, we’d like to remind our visitors that the use of privately owned e-scooters is currently illegal in most public areas in the UK, including shopping centres, pavements, roads, and cycle lanes.
We are currently working in partnership with Northumbria Police to help ensure everyone’s safety and to raise awareness of the legal restrictions around e-scooter use.
Here’s a quick summary of the rules:
Privately Owned E-Scooters: These are not allowed on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. They are classified as motor vehicles and would require insurance, tax, registration, and a valid driving licence – making them illegal to use in most public areas.
Rental E-Scooters: Legal use is only allowed in certain trial areas under government-approved schemes. These rentals follow strict rules and are not currently permitted around the shopping centre.
Private Land: E-scooters can be used on private property, but only with the landowner’s permission.
Using an e-scooter where it’s not allowed could result in fines, penalty points on your driving licence, or even seizure of the e-scooter.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep the shopping centre a safe and welcoming space for everyone.