Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience, low environmental impact and fun factor. However, there has been some confusion surrounding their legality and the regulations governing their use on UK roads.

To provide clarity on legal e-scooter use, our road traffic claims experts answer commonly asked questions such as:

• Are electric scooters allowed on the road?
• What are the consequences for illegally riding an e-scooter?

Can I claim compensation if I've had an e-scooter accident?

Can I Ride an Electric Scooter on the Road?

Privately owned electric scooters are legal to own in the UK. However, there are a lot of restrictions surrounding where they can be used. At present, there is no specific legislation governing private e-scooters, which are instead categorised as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). As such, they are subject to the same laws and regulations as motor vehicles, including requirements for MOT, taxation, licensing and construction standards. However, due to the absence of essential safety features, such as visible rear red lights, number plates or signalling capabilities, private e-scooters are not legally allowed on roads.

Are Electric Scooters Legal to Ride on Pavements?

As stated in the previous section, electric scooters are presently classified as PLEVs by the government, which subjects them to the same laws and regulations applicable to all motor vehicles. As a result, their use on pavements, bike lanes and pedestrian-only zones is also prohibited. It would only be legal to operate them on public roads if they could fulfil the same requirements as motor vehicles (e.g., insurance, tax, licensing, registration and vehicle construction). However, this is unattainable in most cases.

Can You Ride a Scooter on Private Land and Roads?

If you own an e-scooter, you are only permitted to use it on private land, such as a driveway or garden. You must also have the landowner’s permission before doing so. Using an e-scooter on private land can be convenient, but you should take care to ride responsibly and with consideration for others who may be on the property. Helmets and protective gear are strongly recommended, even though they are not a legal requirement, as e-scooters can still cause serious injury if an accident occurs.

While private land use removes the restrictions that apply on public roads, it does not remove the need to act safely. Landowners can also place their own conditions on how and where an e-scooter may be used, so it is important to confirm this before riding.

E-Scooter Rental Schemes: Can Rental E-Scooters be Used on Roads?

In 2020, the England Combined Authority began running trials of e-scooter rental schemes in participating boroughs to explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with the widespread use of e-scooters.

During these trials, e-scooters can be rented and ridden on public roads, provided they adhere to certain criteria. The rental e-scooters must:

• Be limited to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
• Be equipped with front and rear lights, as well as reflectors
• Have motor power not exceeding 500W
• Have no provision for seating (i.e., they must be designed for standing use only)
• Users of rental e-scooters must also meet specific requirements, including:
• Being at least 16 years old
• Holding a UK driving licence (category Q entitlement is sufficient) or;
• Holding a UK provisional driving licence or;
• Having a full overseas driving licence (this does not include overseas provisional licences)
• Wearing a helmet while on an electric scooter is recommended, but not legally required

It is important to note that the rental e-scooter trials are limited to certain areas and local authorities within the UK. To legally ride a rental e-scooter on public roads, you must be within an approved trial area.

What Are the Consequences of Riding a Private Scooter on the Road?

If you are caught riding a private electric scooter on public roads or pavements, you may face a range of penalties. These can include:

• A Fixed Penalty Notice for riding on the pavement, which can carry a fine of up to £300
• A fine of up to £1,000 for riding without insurance
• A fine of up to £1,000 for riding without a valid driving licence
• Penalty points on your driving licence
• Seizure and possible destruction of the e-scooter

It is important to be aware of these potential consequences and to ensure that you are using an e-scooter legally and according to government safety rules.

When Will Electric Scooters Become Legal on Roads and Pavements?

Since the summer of 2020, electric scooter rental trials have been conducted in various locations across the UK. Local councils have collaborated with rental providers to assess the safety and effectiveness of e-scooters as a mode of transportation.

While initially the trial was set to run until November 2022, this has been extended until May 2028 in order to gather as much information as possible. Following this, the government is expected to initiate another consultation phase before proposing any official changes to the law.

On May 11th 2022, in the House of Lords, Baroness Vere (Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Transport) stated that the Transport Bill aims to establish a low-speed, zero-emission vehicle category separate from the existing cycle and motor vehicle categories as part of the new regulations. This new category would grant the government the authority to determine which vehicles belong in this category and how they should be regulated for safety. E-scooters are anticipated to be the first of these vehicles.

The government’s Transport Committee is enthusiastic about legalising the public use of private e-scooters due to their eco-friendly credentials, sustainability, affordability and positive impact on traffic congestion. Legalisation will mean that all e-scooter riders will need insurance when using their vehicles on public roads and in public places.

Electric Scooters and Public Transport

E-scooters, whether privately-owned or rented, are generally not allowed on public transport in the UK. This includes buses, trains and trams. Some train operators may allow e-scooters as luggage if they are folded and stored appropriately, but it is essential to check with the specific operator before attempting to bring an e-scooter on board. Furthermore, riding e-scooters on platforms or in stations is strictly prohibited.

Electric Scooters and Safety

Regardless of whether you are using a privately-owned e-scooter on private land or a rental e-scooter in an approved trial area, prioritise your and other road users' safety. To ride an e-scooter safely, some recommended safety practices include:

• Wearing a helmet on an electric scooter, even though it is not legally required
• Wearing high-visibility clothing or accessories to make yourself visible to other road users
• Using lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions
• Adhering to the Highway Code and observing traffic signals and road markings
• Being aware of and respecting pedestrians, cyclists and other road users
• Avoiding distractions, such as using a mobile phone while riding
• Keeping the e-scooter well-maintained and in good working order

Can I Claim Compensation for an E-Scooter Accident?

If you have been involved in an e-scooter accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation - even if you were partly at fault. These incidents can happen on roads, pavements or in public spaces, and it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible.

Compensation is usually paid by the insurer of the individual or organisation responsible. It can cover loss of earnings if your injuries have affected your ability to work, the physical pain you have experienced and the emotional impact on your day-to-day life.

JMW’s personal injury team has experience with complex road traffic claims and can quickly arrange treatment and support where needed.

Talk to Us

To get in touch with our specialist team of solicitors, please do not hesitate to call us on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and we will give you a call back as soon as we can to discuss your situation in greater detail and provide more guidance on what happens next.