E-scooters can legally be rented, or sold and bought in the UK. Currently, they can only be used legally in a few specified ways. Different rules apply for e-scooters used under approved trial rental e-scooter schemes or for privately owned e-scooters.
The government has indicated that it intends to bring in a new Transport Bill later in 2022 which will create ‘powered personal transporters’ as a new category of vehicle. If that happens, e-scooters may be legalised, subject to new regulations for how, where and under what conditions they can legally be used.
Until the law changes, e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, like cars, motorbikes and vans, and are subject to the same rules of the road and criminal penalties when those rules are broken. In practise, these rules mean that the only e-scooters which can legally be used on public roads are rental scheme e-scooters. The legal use of rental scheme e-scooters is strictly regulated and restricted to specific places.
E-scooters used on private land with the permission of the land-owner
The law allows the use of rental or private e-scooters on private land if the rider has the permission of the land-owner.
Rental e-scooters
The only type of e-scooters that are legal to use on public roads or in other public spaces are e-scooters which are rented under an approved UK trial rental e-scooter scheme. The person renting the e-scooter must be at least 16 years old and have the correct driving licence and an account with the rental company.
The rental scooter can legally be used on private land with the land-owner’s permission or on a public road or cycle lane within the specific area approved by the rental e-scooter scheme. The rental e-scooter’s rider must have motor insurance (usually provided by the e-scooter rental provider) and must comply with road traffic laws and regulations.
E-scooter riders can be fined, receive penalty points on their licence and be prosecuted for committing criminal offenses such as riding the e-scooter:
- without the correct licence;
- without motor insurance;
- whilst on a mobile phone;
- whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- whilst using a mobile phone ;
- on the pavement;
- through red lights;
- over the maximum speed limit for e-scooters which is around 15mph in most rental e-scooter trial areas but can be lower.
If someone is injured by an e-scooter, the accident will be investigated by the police in the same way that it would be if the accident had been caused by the driver of a car or other motor vehicle.
The police may seize the e-scooter if it is ridden illegally or in an antisocial way.
Use of helmets and other protective or high visibility clothing are not compulsory whilst legally riding e-scooters under the current rules but are recommended. This is for the rider’s safety and also to ensure the e-scooter is visible to other road users.
If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident caused wholly or partly by someone else’s negligence, you can contact us here to find out more about your right to claim compensation.
Private e-scooters
Privately owned e-scooters can be used on private land if the e-scooter rider has the land-owner’s permission. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter in any other way. Riding a private e-scooter illegally, such as on public roads or in public spaces, can lead to the rider being fined or receiving other penalties, such as points on their driving licence, or having the scooter seized or impounded.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles. Motor vehicles, such as cars, vans and motorbikes must have motor insurance. Currently, it is not possible to get motor insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means that it is against the law to use a private e-scooter on the road or in public spaces.
If someone is injured by a private e-scooter, the accident will be investigated by the police in the same way that it would be if the accident had been caused by the driver of any other motor vehicle. Additionally, the rider of the e-scooter may also face criminal prosecution and penalties for riding a motor vehicle illegally and without insurance.
If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident caused wholly or partly by someone else’s negligence, you can contact us here to find out more about your right to claim compensation.