, e-scooters, e-scooter law scotland

To Scoot or Not to Scoot: E-scooters in Scotland

February 24, 2022/in /by

An E-scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor, they have become increasingly popular in recent years all over the UK including Scotland however, the Daily Record highlights that there were 460 accidents involving e-scooters in Britain in 2020. Many people are unclear about the rules surrounding e-scooters in Scotland, so in this blog we’ll explain e-scooter laws and what to do if you are involved in an e-scooter accident.

 

What the laws are surrounding e-scooters in Scotland?

E-scooters are classed as a motor vehicle which is defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988 as “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads.” Gov.uk urges that although e-scooters are legal to buy, they are only legal to be used on private land with the prior agreement of the landowner. They are illegal to use in public places such as pavements, footpaths, cycle lanes, cycle tracks, roads, bridleways, restricted byways, car parks, public squares, industrial estates, university campuses, parks, town centres, promenades etc. Any person who uses an e-scooter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be liable to prosecution.

 

What happens if I purchase e-scooter?

E-scooters are legal to purchase but illegal to use in public spaces. Penalties depend on the nature and gravity of the offence and sentences range from fines and penalty points to disqualification from driving, if used under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs imprisonment may be involved, and offences related to the standard of driving and speeding also apply.

 

Do I need a license for an e-scooter?

Police Scotland state that as e-scooters have the same status as motor vehicles this means that they require insurance, conformity with technical standards and standards of use, payment of vehicle tax, licensing and registration, driver testing and licensing and the use of relevant safety equipment, to be used on public roads. All these factors are extremely difficult to comply with so many e-scooter users refrain from using them in public places. The only e-scooters legally permitted to use the roads are those that are part of the rental scheme approved by the UK Government’s Department for Transport.

 

What happens if I’m in an accident involving an e-scooter?

Most e-scooters are uninsured. If you are injured by an uninsured e-scooter, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) which handles claims where the defendant or rider is either uninsured or cannot be traced, will generally compensate the victim even without policy or insurance. If you are in an accident involving an insured e-scooter you may be entitled to compensation directly from them/their insurance. It is also worth noting that that the accident still has to be the fault of the e-scooter rider for you to receive compensation.

 

What happens if I am riding one and cause an accident?

If you have injured someone whilst riding an e-scooter the Motor Insurers’ Bureau is likely to pursue you for the compensation that they provide to the victim. Similarly, if you are insured and injure someone, your insurance may cover their compensation. However, if whilst you are riding an e-scooter and you are involved in an accident which was not your fault you may still be entitled to compensation.

 

If you or someone you know have been in an accident involving an e-scooter, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Hybrid Working Returning to Work Safely

Hybrid Working: Returning to Work Safely

February 17, 2022/in /by

The pandemic has showed us a new way of working as we all moved indoors and began working from home. However, as the government gives the all clear about people returning to offices, this has given rise to the concept of ‘hybrid working’. For employers, it is still a tentative time with Covid-19 still rife in many communities and with the government ready to place measures to curb the rise of cases. In our latest blog, we’re outlining steps employers need to take to ensure a Covid-19 secure workplace.

What the numbers say

An ONS survey found that 46.6% of employees worked from home at least some of the time during the pandemic, compared to the 5% prior. In fact, YouGov research shows that the majority of workers would like to continue to work from home at least some of time following the peak of the pandemic.

What is hybrid working?

Hybrid working is a model of flexible working that allows employees to combine working in an office with working remotely e.g. at home. However, hybrid working is more than just the location at which a worker will split their time. It can also refer to flexible start and finish times to avoid busy public traffic times, and even flexible days of working to account for child minding.

What are the benefits of hybrid working?

There are a number of benefits for employees of hybrid working including a better work-life balance, ability to focus on work (without distractions), reduced commuting time and costs, and increased motivation. Hybrid working is not just beneficial to employees, but also employers in as much as the cost savings on a physical office space, higher employee engagement levels, lower turnover levels, lower absence rates, reduced environmental impact, encouraging diversity and inclusion, and not to mention supporting employee wellbeing.

What steps should an employer take to make hybrid working safe?

Here are the top things to follow so that your employees can return to the office safely:

 

  1. Make sure you properly assess your office space before any staff return to the space. This can include making sure that heating, windows, doors and any appliances are all in working order.
  2. Ensure that if you are returning to the office that you are following all government guidelines surrounding Covid-19 and the workplace. Visit the Working Safely site for up to date guidance.

 

  1. Make sure that desks are at least 1 metre apart and that there is enough social distance between employees. You should also make sure whilst rearranging the space that there are no trailing wires or cables that could be a trip hazard.

 

  1. Make sure you encourage employees to wear masks around communal areas like the bathroom, unless they are eating, drinking, or sitting at their desk

 

  1. Utilise ventilation where possible. This could mean opening a window in the summer months or open doors during the winter

 

  1. Make sure there are plenty of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer available.

What does this mean for the future?

Covid-19 has presented an opportunity for employers to review and evolve their working arrangements following the experiences of working from home during the pandemic. In fact, many employers have already seen benefits of allowing their employees to work remotely, in terms of productivity and worker happiness.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.