- Intro
- Legal
- Ambiguous
- Illegal
E-scooter laws are constantly evolving so we recommend checking the laws in your area before making a purchase
What trends have emerged from our research?
E-scooters are generally legal throughout the modern world and legislation is quickly being introduced to unlock the benefits of these devices by setting sensible safety restrictions. In fact, our research identified only two countries where the devices are illegal on roads in December 2020.
The way in which different countries classify e-scooters in their legislation varies greatly. Maximum speed, power output, and even parking mechanisms can alter how e-scooters are treated legislatively, and some of the different legal names for these devices include:
- Personal Light Electric Vehicles (UK & US)
- Personal Mobility Devices (Argentina)
- Light Electric Vehicles (Finland)
- Personal Electric Vehicles (Kazakhstan)
Despite these variations, there are clear patterns and global trends emerging in how countries treat e-scooters. The majority of legislation we studied prohibits the use of e-scooters on public sidewalks/pavements, instead encouraging their use on roads and sometimes cycle lanes where available.
Legislation in Europe and North America proved to be the most comprehensive and thorough, while many parts of Africa and some countries in Asia lacked dedicated e-scooter legislation entirely, creating a grey area around the devices' legality.
Countries that are battling pollution and looking to bring down CO2 emissions locally, such as China and Indonesia, are offering financial incentives to manufacturers which could see the devices become more commonly available. Perhaps, then, EV's could play a vital role in the wider green revolution sweeping the globe.
Timeline of the key moments in e-scooter history
The first-ever mass-produced motorised scooter, the Autoped, hit pavements in the US.
The UK's 1988 Act (together with the Highways Act 1835) bans 'mechanically propelled vehicles' from pavements, cycle lanes and public footpaths. This means they cannot be used on public roads or pavements.
Electric kick scooters first surpassed gas engine scooters in popularity in the US and UK.
First scooter-sharing system was introduced; a rental scheme based in San Francisco, California.
Dockless electric kick scooters introduced to consumer markets, revolutionising rental operations.
The US' most heavily populated city, New York, legalises e-scooters - bringing in new legislation and e-scooter classifications after heated debates.
UK to review findings of year-long rental e-scooter trials and revisit legislation.
Is Britain behind the curve?
Our research suggests that the UK is an outlier when it comes to e-scooter legislation. While there's a clear increase in the uptake of e-scooters across the globe, which most countries are supporting with new legislation, the UK appears to be behind the curve - with the use of private e-scooters currently illegal on public roads and pavements. Should we, then, be introducing our own legislation to promote green transport, enable easier commuting, and reduce carbon emissions?
The UK government are, however, running trials of rental operations through 2020-2022, in selected major cities. These pilot programs could potentially pave the way to a version of the UK in which e-scooters are generally legal for use on roads and cycle lanes, carefully regulated to promote safety, and socially accepted as a sustainable means of transport. On the 10th of May 2022, e-scooter legislation was included in the Queen's Speech as part of the Transport Bill, marking the UK government’s intention to introduce legislation to regulate the use of private e-scooters.
What do e-scooters actually look like?
For more information on what to look out for when purchasing an e-scooter, check out our buyer's guide. Or, view our full range of Xiaomi e-scooters.

Xiaomi Mi M365 Electric Scooter - Black

- Maximum Speed : 15.5mph
- Maximum Range :18.6 Miles / 30km
- Approx. Charge Time : 5 Hours

Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 Electric Scooter - Black

- Maximum Speed : 15.5mph
- Maximum Range : 28 Miles / 45km
- Approx. Charge Time : 9 Hours

Xiaomi Mi Essential Electric Scooter - Black

- Maximum Speed : 12.4mph
- Maximum Range : 12.4 Miles / 20km
- Approx. Charge Time : 3.5 Hours