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Dashcam footage reported by STV News appears to show a person riding an e-scooter across the M8 Kingston Bridge in Glasgow. The clip does not identify the rider. Police Scotland’s published material about its enforcement operation does not confirm any action over this specific footage.
Updated 27 October 2026. STV reported the footage on 20 October. This article follows up that report.
What was reported
STV said the footage appears to show a figure on an e-scooter cutting across several lanes towards Junction 20, the exit for East Kilbride and City Centre South. An eyewitness told the broadcaster the scooter was travelling at 40 to 45mph and the rider wore no helmet. Those details are attributed to the eyewitness account; the clip does not establish the rider’s identity or speed.
STV described the footage as being from “Tuesday night”, shortly before 7pm, although its report was published at 15:43 on Tuesday 20 October. Brit Brief’s account of the same footage gives the time as about 6.50pm on Monday 19 October. We have not independently confirmed when the recording was made.
What the law says
Police Scotland says privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or other public places. They may be ridden only on private land with the landowner’s permission. STV reports that police can seize an illegally used scooter and issue a £300 fine and six penalty points.
Rental e-scooters are permitted only under official trial schemes and within their designated areas. GOV.UK says trial scooters may use roads and cycle lanes, but not pavements or motorways. The current GOV.UK list of trial areas does not include Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, so the trial exception does not provide a legal route for riding one in Glasgow. Rental riders need a full or provisional UK driving licence, and the operator provides insurance.
E-bikes follow different rules. Police Scotland says an electrically assisted pedal cycle must not provide motor assistance above 15.5mph and its motor’s maximum continuous rated power must not exceed 250 watts to be treated as an e-bike under the relevant rules.
Police Scotland’s enforcement drive
By 16 October 2026, Police Scotland said officers had seized 561 e-bikes and 441 e-scooters that year, 1,002 in total. In 2025, the reported total was 569: 373 e-bikes and 196 e-scooters. Operation Overlap, a week of action targeting illegal use, began on 19 October and includes non-compliant and modified e-bikes. These figures do not say how many seizures relate to this incident or the M8.
If you see a scooter on a motorway
Do not follow it, brake sharply or confront the rider. Keep a safe gap and concentrate on the traffic around you. If a passenger is with you, ask them to call 999 with your direction of travel, the nearest junction or marker post and a brief description. If you are alone, wait until you can stop somewhere safe. Do not stop on the hard shoulder to film or follow someone.
If you have dashcam footage, preserve the original file and note the time, location and direction of travel. Report it to police without guessing at the rider’s identity or posting the clip online with accusations. Investigators can assess what it shows.
If you ride
Do not ride a privately owned e-scooter in a public place. If using a rental scooter, check that you are in an official trial area and follow the operator’s instructions; rental scooters must not be used on pavements or motorways. Wear a helmet and ride considerately.
Rules for rental trials can vary locally and change over time. Check GOV.UK and the operator’s current instructions before riding. This article is general information, not legal advice.