Electric scooter rules - Where and when you can legally ride e-scooters

In the UK, we have somewhat a love-hate relationship with the futuristic mode of transport.

E-scooters have been dubbed as more inclusive, accessible with more eco-friendly potential than other means but with 882 accidents involving the scooters last year, safety is a major concern.

Almost £4,000 in fines have been recently handed out and penalty points to people using electric scooters illegally in Bradford.

Here are all the current restrictions that you should be aware of before hopping on and what you could face if you fail to follow the rules.

A man riding an e-scooter as part of the London trial. Credit: PA

What is the law on e-scooters in the UK?

Electric scooters are legal to own in the UK but this new mode or transport isn't without its restrictions. 

You can only ride them on private land - with the landowner's permission.

They can't be taken out on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or in pedestrian-only areas either.

This is because electric scooters are classed as "powered transporters", the same as other motor vehicles.

Under this classification, you would only legally be allowed to use them on public roads if they could meet the same requirements as motor vehicles.

In short, this would mean that e-scooter owners would need to follow the same rules on insurance, tax, licensing, registration and vehicle construction would be very difficult to put into practice.

As mentioned, e-scooters laws are hotly debated and it is likely that there could be further developments in the near future. 

To keep up to date on the laws around e-scooters, visit the UK Government website for the latest guidance.

Is it illegal to own an e-scooter?

No, it is not illegal to own an e-scooter but as we have seen there are certain rules and consequences in place to make sure we use them legally and safely.

You need to have a valid full or provisional driving licence to use an e-scooter which includes the 'Q' category entitlement. You can find this on licences for categories AM, A and B.

If caught using a privately-owned electric scooter on a public road, you could face up to a £300 fine plus six points on your license.

If you passed your test less than two years ago, your licence could be revoked.

E-scooter trials across the UK

While private e-scooters can only be used on private land, there are a number of trials taking place across the country. 

Electric scooter trials have been underway since summer 2020 with the trial period having been extended until March 2022.

You can see the full list of trial areas for e-scooters via the UK Government website.

If you take a trial e-scooter outside the designated zone, you could also face penalty points and fines.

How to stay safe on e-scooters

There are things that you can do to make e-scooters safer for you and everyone around you.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM Roadsmart, said: “As the use of e-scooters surge, so do the safety challenges.

"For those who reside in an area where an e-scooter trial is being conducted, we urge riders to take as many safety measures as possible such as wearing a helmet.

“For the government, we once again urge them to complete the pilot studies that have been running for over a year and clarify the law on e-scooters once and for all.”

See the full government guidance on e-scooters and powered transporters via its website.