Research e-scooters before buying, warns Costessey mum

Sgt James Shepherd from Norfolk Police said while the hire schemes gave the impression all e-scooters were legal, insurance for private vehicles was currently unavailable, which meant they were illegal to ride on public highways.

“By buying your child an e-scooter and letting them go out and use it on the road, you could be liable for allowing them to commit offences,” he warned.

“And youngsters could get points for a licence they don’t even hold yet.

“The fire service have also had issues with batteries going up in houses. My advice is don’t buy them.”

A private members’ bill was introduced to Parliament in November calling for the government to publish a review of the legislation, external and guidance relating to e-scooters.

It will be read a second time in March.

Ashton’s school, Ormiston Victory Academy, said that following the incident, police had spoken to students during assemblies about the use of e-scooters.

“We will be continuing to raise awareness of the safety implications of e-scooters, and other dangers on the road, with our students through ongoing assembles and with families via our newsletter,” it continued.

“In the meantime, we are providing ongoing support to the student involved and we wish them a very speedy recovery.”

Norfolk Police said inquiries into Ashton’s crash were ongoing.