🚫 Parents Beware - Letting Your Child Use Your E‑Scooter Account - Could Cost You Your Licence!

🛴 Letting Your Child Use Your E‑Scooter Could Cost You Your Licence

As e‑scooters continue to roll through Braintree as part of Essex’s ongoing trial, operator Dott has confirmed several key rules - and if you're a rider (or parent), you’ll want to read on. It’s not just about safety - it could cost you your licence.

⚖️ Who Can Ride?

• 🧑‍🦰 E‑Scooters: Riders must be 18 or over

• 🚲 E‑Bikes: Users must be 16 or over

• Dott's terms state that while younger users may be technically allowed via “parental consent,” the UK law is clear: under-18s cannot legally ride e‑scooters. By permitting your child to ride, you’re not only liable for damages - you’re breaking the law.

🪪 Licence Requirements

• You must hold a full or provisional UK driving licence to ride an e‑scooter 

• The Dott app may require licence verification during sign-up or before use.

🧠 Rider Expectations

Dott also enforces:

• Compliance with traffic laws and public safety rules

• Ability to ride without endangering others

• Basic motor vehicle control and awareness

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🚨 What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Here’s where it gets serious - especially around letting someone else ride on your account:

👥 Account Misuse

• Letting someone else - such as your child - use your account is considered riding without insurance, even on Dott’s scooters.

• This carries an official £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your driving licence 

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🧾 Dott-Specific Charges

• ❌ Improper parking (outside designated zones) could cost you up to £300 in admin fees

• ❌ Any legal breach (e.g. red light, pavement riding) may incur official fines, plus £50 admin from Dott

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👮 Government & Police Penalties

• No insurance – £300 + 6 points 

• Wrong licence, red light, phone use – £100 + 3–6 points

• Pavement riding – £50 fine

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🧷 Summary

👀 Final Thoughts

These aren’t suggestions - they are legal requirements backed by real penalties. Letting your under‑18 child ride using your account may land you with a £300 fine and penalty points, in addition to Dott’s charges and insurance costs.

🗣️ What do you think?

Are these rules too strict – or necessary to keep everyone safe? Share your thoughts and experiences below.

📰 Read more local updates and safety advice at:👉 www.braintreelocal.co.uk/news