Are Electric Scooters Legal in the UK?
Only rental e-scooters are allowed on public roads.
The UK government has been running trials for rental e-scooters, which might lead to changes in the law. But until those laws officially change, here's what you need to know about using e-scooters legally.
Why Are Private E-Scooters Restricted?
It's illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes in the UK.
This is because e-scooters are classified as 'powered transporters' and fall under the legal definition of a motor vehicle. Like cars, motor vehicles have specific requirements for road use (like insurance, number plates, turn signals), which e-scooters don't meet in their standard form.
This puts private e-scooters in a tricky legal spot – you can own one but can't ride it in public places.
Government E-Scooter Trials (Rental Scooters)
The UK government is exploring how e-scooters could be used safely through trials. Trials allow people to rent e-scooters in specific areas.
Only on roads (excluding motorways) and in cycle lanes within the designated trial areas. Riding on pavements is illegal.
You need a valid driving licence with category Q entitlement (a full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A, or B includes this).
Trial e-scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 25 km/h (about 15.5 mph).
Where are the E-Scooter Trials?
As of the latest government guidance (updated June 1, 2024), trials are taking place in these areas:
- Bournemouth and Poole
- Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough)
- Cambridge Â
- Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester)
- Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester)
- Liverpool
- London (participating boroughs)
- Milton Keynes
- Newcastle
- North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden and Higham Ferrers) Â
- North Devon
- Norwich
- Oxfordshire (Oxford)
- Salford
- Slough
- Solent (Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton)
- Somerset (Taunton, Minehead and Yeovil)
- West Midlands (Birmingham)
- West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath) Â
(Note: Trial areas can change. Always check local information before riding.)
Safety Rules for Trial E-Scooters
If you're using a rental e-scooter in a trial area, you must follow the rules:
- You must have the correct driving licence.
- Only one person per e-scooter (no passengers).
- Don't use a mobile phone while riding.
- Don't ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Don't tow anything.
- Carry any luggage safely (e.g., in a backpack, not hanging from handlebars).
- Comply with the rental company's terms of use.
- Helmets are recommended for safety but are not legally mandatory.
Where Can You Legally Ride a Private E-Scooter?
The only place you can legally ride a private e-scooter is on private land and only with the landowner's permission.
Penalties for Illegal Use
Riding private e-scooters on public roads, sidewalks, or cycle lanes may result in fines (around £300) and penalty points (typically 6) on your driving license, along with confiscation of the scooter.
Misusing a trial scooter (e.g., riding dangerously, under the influence, or using your phone) can also incur fines and penalty points.
FAQ
E-scooters (PLEVs) and e-bikes (EAPCs) fall under different legal categories. E-bikes must meet specific criteria (like having pedals and limited assistance) to be treated like normal bicycles. E-scooters currently don't meet these EAPC requirements.e
You generally need to be 16 or over with the correct driving licence to participate in the rental trials. There's no specific legal age limit for riding a private e-scooter on private land, but safety and landowner permission are key.
You're not required to use a helmet by law, but we strongly recommend it for your safety.
Final Thoughts
For now, you're only allowed to ride rental scooters in public. Trials are ongoing, and the government may change the laws in the future based on how things go.
Until then, enjoy your private e-scooter responsibly on private land with permission, or participate in the official rental trials where available, following all the rules.
