Are Electric Scooters Legal?
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are an up-and-coming mode of transport, but there’s a lot of uncertainty around when and where they can legally be used. With government-backed rental trials taking place across the country, it seems a good time to recap the rules as they stand right now.
Are electric scooters legal in the UK?
Electric scooters are legal to own in the UK. However, there are lots of restrictions surrounding where they can be used.
Where can you ride electric scooters?
Currently, electric scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. It is effectively illegal to use them on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas.
Why are electric scooters illegal on roads and pavements in the UK?
Electric scooters are currently classed as ‘powered transporters’ by the government and fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles.
This means that it’s illegal to use them on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas, and it would only be legal to use them on public roads if they could meet the same requirements as motor vehicles (e.g., in terms of insurance, tax, licence, registration and vehicle construction), which in practice is virtually impossible.
The formulation of a law specifically covering electric scooters has been under discussion for some time. It looks like there may be some developments in this area in the near future, particularly with the rental trials currently taking place.
When will electric scooters be legal on UK roads and pavements?
Electric scooter rental trials have been running in parts of the UK since summer 2020, allowing councils to work with rental providers to test how safe and practical they are as a mode of transport.
These trials, originally set to finish much sooner, have now been extended until at least May 2028, giving the Government more time to gather data, refine safety rules and create the regulations needed to legalise private e-scooters on public land. More towns and cities are also joining the scheme, with operators like Lime, Voi and Dott expanding their networks.
For now, private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and other public land. They’re classed as motor vehicles, meaning they would need to meet insurance, licensing and registration requirements, which most models don’t. Riding one in public can lead to fines, penalty points, the scooter being seized, and even an IN10 endorsement for uninsured use.
Where can you rent an electric scooter?
Many e-scooter rental trials are taking place across the country. You can find an up-to-date list of areas and more information about the rental schemes here.
You can find an up-to-date list of areas and more information about the rental schemes here.
Do you need a driver’s licence for an electric scooter?
Yes. If you want to rent an electric scooter through one of the schemes mentioned above, then you’ll need to hold a valid full or provisional driving licence that includes the ‘Q’ category entitlement. This category can be found on licences for categories AM, A or B.
Do you need insurance for an electric scooter?
Yes, but this will be provided by your electric scooter rental operator.