With the purchase of e-scooters continuing to grow, it is important to be aware of the rules relating to their use.

E-scooters are considered very eco-friendly with the potential for reducing greenhouse emissions and traffic whilst increasing efficiency. They are potentially an ideal solution to some of the difficult issues associated with vehicle pollution.

You are legally entitled to buy, sell and own an e-scooter in the UK and they can be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner. However, it remains illegal in the UK to use a privately owned e-scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lanes.

E-scooters fall under the Road Traffic Act 1988 being classified as a “powered transporter” due to the way they are designed and motorised. As such, they fall into the legal definition of a motor vehicle and they must meet all of the standards required of cars including being registered with DVLA, licensed, taxed, insured, visible rear red lights, signalling ability and fitted with number plates to be ridden on a public road. In line with motor vehicles, e-scooters cannot be used on pavements or cycle lanes.

E-scooter riders in the UK risk up to a £300 fine and six points on their driving licence if they ride a privately owned e-scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lane.

The only e-scooters that can be used on specified public roads and some cycle lanes are those rented as part of government backed trials.

To use an e-scooter in a government trial you must have a category Q entitlement on your driving licence or a valid overseas full licence from another country that meets the requirements. The hired e-scooter must be insured and arranged by the rental operator. The Department of Transport recommends that a helmet is worn if riding a rental e-scooter although currently this is not a legal requirement, together with light coloured or fluorescent clothing so other road users can see you. Other safety rules include only one person using an e-scooter at a time, not using a mobile phone when riding an e-scooter and not using an e-scooter whilst drunk or otherwise intoxicated.

Privately owned e-scooters can reach speeds of up to 68 mph whereas rental scooters in the UK have a maximum limit of 15.5 mph.

For full details of the e-scooter government trials please refer to the following website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users

Other associated stories connected to e-scooters:
https://news.sky.com/topic/e-scooters-9423