Are Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters Legal in the United Kingdom yet?
Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters are much discussed mode of transport, but there’s much uncertainty concerning when and where they can be ridden legally. The government has launched rental trials across many areas (mainly large towns) across the UK, so now is a good time to understand the rules as they are today.
Are electric scooters legal in the UK yet?
Indeed, Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters are legal to own in the United Kingdom. But there are many restrictions surrounding where and how they can be used legally.
Where can Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters be used?
Right now, Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. It is therfore illegal to use them on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas.
Why are Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters illegal on roads and pavements?
Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters are currently classed as ‘powered transporters’ by the government and legislated under the same laws and regulations that apply to those of all motor vehicles. Which in turn means that it’s illegal to use them on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas, and it’s only legal to use them on public roads if they could meet the same requirements as motor vehicles for example to have insurance, tax, license, registration and conform to vehicle construction regulations, which currently is impossible to achieve.
The formulation of a law specifically covering Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters has been under review with the Government and there may be some developments in this area soon, particularly with the rental trials currently taking place.
When will Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters become legal on roads and pavements?
Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters rental trials have been underway in several areas across the UK since summer 2020. Local councils have been working with rental providers to test the viability of Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters as a safe and effective mode of transport. The trial period has been extended until the end of November 2022 so that the most comprehensive evidence possible can be gathered. The government is then likely to launch another consultation phase before any official changes to the law are carried forward.
The UK government are running trials of rental operations through 2020-2022, in selected major cities. These pilot programs could potentially pave the way to a version of the UK in which Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters are generally legal for use on roads and cycle lanes, carefully regulated to promote safety, and socially accepted as a sustainable means of transport
Private Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters are now set to be legalised for use on public roads across the UK, under the upcoming Transport Bill introduced at the Queen’s speech on 10th May. This means that over the course of the year ahead, UK government will work through the details of the regulations that will enable the legislation of Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters.
Where can you rent an Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters?
As of May 2021, Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters rental trials are running in the following areas:
Bournemouth and Poole
Buckinghamshire
Cambridge
Cheshire West and Chester
Copeland
Derby
Essex
Gloucestershire
Great Yarmouth
Kent
Liverpool
Milton Keynes
Newcastle
North and West Northamptonshire
North Devon
North Lincolnshire
Norwich
Nottingham
Oxfordshire
Redditch
Rochdale
Salford
Slough
Solent
Somerset West
South Somerset
Staffordshire
Sunderland
Tees Valley
West Midlands
West of England Combined Authority
York
Do you need a driver’s license for an Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters?
Yes you do. If you want to rent an Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters through one of the schemes listed above, then you’ll need to hold a valid full or provisional driving license that includes the ‘Q’ category entitlement. This category can be found on licenses for categories AM, A or B.
Do you need insurance for an Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters?
Yes you do, but this will be provided by your Electric scooters, e-scooters or electrically powered scooters rental operator.
