Retailers including Amazon and Argos have been found advertising e-scooters for use on public roads, despite UK legislation prohibiting their use unless rented through government schemes. Major retailers altered their advertising practices but smaller retailers continue to promote e-scooters for commuting, potentially misleading consumers on legal usage.
An investigation by the Press Association revealed that major UK retailers are advertising e-scooters for commuting despite a legal ban on their use on public roads. Only government-backed rental e-scooters are permitted for use in public, while privately-owned models must be used on private property with permission.
Following the investigation, retailers like Amazon, Argos, and Currys modified their advertising. Amazon emphasized that their guidelines prohibit the depiction of riders on roads or pavements and require clear legal disclaimers. Argos mentioned they updated their product page wording to clarify legal restrictions, although a sponsored Google ad was still misleading as of the investigation date.
While major retailers took action, smaller retailers continued to advertise e-scooters for urban commuting, which may mislead customers. Some listings described e-scooters as efficient for city travel, potentially creating confusion about legal usage.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) previously criticized misleading e-scooter advertisements for omitting important legal information. The ongoing promotion of e-scooters for commuting by smaller retailers raises regulatory questions and highlights the need for clearer compliance with existing laws.
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Retailers including Amazon and Argos have been found advertising e-scooters for use on public roads, despite UK legislation prohibiting their use unless rented through government schemes. Major retailers altered their advertising practices but smaller retailers continue to promote e-scooters for commuting, potentially misleading consumers on legal usage.