Are Electric Scooters Legal In The UK?
Author
William Dexter | Operations Director
Table of Contents
Author
William Dexter | Operations Director
Table of Contents
Are Electric Scooters Legal?
Electric Scooters, or more commonly known as E-Scooters, have become all the rave in recent years in the world of transport. However, theres often some confusion around the legalities of owning and using an E-Scooter.
Within this blog we recap the law as it stands, and any upcoming changes that may impact the use of electric scooters.
Are Electric Scooters Legal To Own In The UK?
You can legally own an electric scooter in the UK. However, you need to consider the many restrictions on where and how you can use one before making a purchase.
Where Can I Ride An Electric Scooter?
The law only allows you to ride electric scooters on private land with the landowner’s permission. It is illegal to use them on public roads, cycle paths, pavements and pedestrian-only areas.
Why Is It Illegal To Use Electric Scooters On Public Roads In The UK?
The Government currently classifies electric scooters as “powered transports” and fall under the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles.
This means it’s illegal to use them on pavements, cycle lanes and in pedestrian only areas. You could, technically, use them legally on public roads if they met the same requirements as a car or other motor vehicle.
This means in order to legally use them you would need insurance, road tax, licence, registration and the vehicle would need to be built to the same requirements as a motor vehicle.
In short, achieving these requirements is next to impossible at current.
When Will Electric Scooters Be Legal On Roads And Pavements In The UK?
Local councils across the UK have been running electric scooter rental trials since 2020. Local authorities and councils have been working with rental providers to test whether electric scooters are a safe, effective and viable mode of transport.
The Government is currently exploring updating the Transport Bill to accommodate electric scooters however its been announced that The Government plans to extend the current rental trials until 2026 whilst they work through the logistics of updating regulations to enable an E-Scooter law change.
What Will Happen If I Ride An Electric Scooter Illegally?
If police catch you riding an electric scooter on public roads or paths, they can issue a fine and points on your UK driving licence. It’s also likely that the E-Scooter will be seized and impounded by the authorities.
What Do I Need To Rent An E-Scooter In The UK?
In order to rent an E-Scooter through one of the government trials you’ll need a full or provisional UK Driving licence that includes the “Q” category. This category can be found on licences for categories AM, A or B.
You’ll also require insurance, however the rental provider will provide insurance for you when you rent the scooter.
In order to rent an E-Scooter through one of the government trials you’ll need a full or provisional UK Driving licence that includes the “Q” category. This category can be found on licences for categories AM, A or B.
You’ll also require insurance, however the rental provider will provide insurance for you when you rent the scooter.
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