Children's Safety on our Roads
Turning 16 or 17 often marks a major milestone. Gaining independence through the use of a motorised vehicle, whether it’s a moped, scooter, or car.
It’s an exciting time that opens up new freedoms: getting to college, work, or meeting friends without relying on lifts or public transport.
But with that freedom comes responsibility.
Staying safe on the roads is essential, not just for the child themselves, but for everyone around them. Learning the rules of the road, wearing protective clothing, avoiding distractions like phones, and never taking risks are all part of being a responsible road user. Independence is empowering, but safety is what keeps that independence sustainable.
Moped Safety
In Wakefield alone, there have been 31 incidents involving mopeds and under 16's between January and September 2025. Sadly, one of these incidents led to the death of a child, whilst others have been seriously hurt.
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What is a moped?Show details
A moped is a motorcycle with an engine no bigger than 50 cubic centimetres (cc), and its top speed should not be above 28 miles per hour (mph).
Due to the smaller size of the engine, (compared to other types of motorcycles), mopeds can be ridden by 16-year-olds.
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Do you need to take a test to ride a moped?Show detailsYes.
Young people must have a driver’s license and MUST complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
After successfully completing a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) test, riders can only be on an L plate, for 2 years. To continue riding after this time, riders must complete another CBT or get a full licence.
If a young person only has a CBT licence, they are only allowed to ride on their own. They cannot carry any passengers.
Only a fully licensed rider is allowed to take a passenger on a moped/motorbike. Both riders must wear helmets.
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What safety equipment does a young person need to ride a moped?Show details
All riders must wear a helmet. It is strongly advised to wear other protective clothing to reduce risk of injury.
Wearing bright or reflective clothing increases visibility to other road users.
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Rules for driving a mopedShow details
A young person must always follow the rules of the road.
They must stick to speed limits, maintain distance from other vehicles, and check for blind spots.
Young people must not be under the influence or alcohol or drugs when driving a moped.
Resources
E-Scooter Safety
The only exception to the statement above, is when e-scooters are part of a government-approved rental scheme (for example, what you might find in larger cities).
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What is an E-scooter?Show details
An e-scooter is a small, two-wheeled vehicle powered by a rechargeable battery.
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LegalitiesShow details
E-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads and pavements, because they are classed as a motorised vehicle, under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
In the UK this would require you to get MOT, road tax, registration, and insurance. It is currently impossible to insure or register them for public road use.
Resources
Moped & E-Scooter Safety Campaign
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Show details
Why are we running this campaign? Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) has launched this campaign to help parents and carers understand the serious risks of allowing children and teenagers to ride mopeds and e-scooters.Driving a moped under the age of 16 is illegal. These vehicles can reach high speeds, require legal compliance, and pose significant safety dangers if used incorrectly.
Similarly, riding e-scooters on UK public roads and pavements is against the law.
Our goal is to educate parents and carers about the risks and legal responsibilities surrounding mopeds and e-scooters, helping to prevent accidents and keep children in the Wakefield District safe.
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Show details
Messaging 1.
🛵 From January to September 2025 there has been 31 incidents causing injury to, or the death of children in the Wakefield District, on mopeds and e-scooters.
Know the law and find out more on our new safety information page 👉 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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2.
Speed thrills, but unfortunately it can also kill.
We have had young lives ruined and families broken because of moped incidents this year across the Wakefield District.
Think safety, and find out more here 👉 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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3.
Don’t let a ride become a tragedy.
😢 Sadly, between January and September 2025, a teenager died on our roads in the Wakefield District after a collision involving a moped.
For more information on moped safety and the law, click the link 🔗 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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4.
In 2025, there has been 31 incidents causing injury to, or the death of children in the Wakefield District, on mopeds and e-scooters.
❌ Mopeds can be dangerous. E-scooters are illegal.
For safety information and to learn the law, click the link ➡️ https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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5.
Moped riders need helmets, protective gloves and clothing, insurance and a licence.
🧠 A child’s safety starts with knowledge and information.
Find out more by clicking here 👉 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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In the Wakefield District in 2025, 12 children were seriously injured and 1 child tragically died due to collisions on mopeds.
🛵 Mopeds can be fun for teenagers, but they need to be ridden safely.
Know the safety facts and learn more 🔗 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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E-scooters are motor vehicles and can reach up to 30mph, which is a speed that can cause serious injury.
❌ They are illegal on public roads and pavements.
Know the law about e-scooters, click the link for more information ➡️ https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/——————————————————————————————————-
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Young riders face the highest risk of serious road accidents.
🎁 Safety is the best gift you can give this Christmas.
For more information on moped safety and the law, click here 👉 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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9.
Before gifting a moped to your child, know the law and be informed.
❌ Don’t wrap up danger this Christmas.
Learn more on moped safety with our new information page 🔗 https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/childrens-safety-on-our-roads/
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