E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you’re using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Rental e-scooter trials
Trials of rental e-scooters are taking place in the UK. Anyone using a rental e-scooter on a public road or other public space, has to comply with the relevant road traffic legislation or they face potential prosecution.
To rent an e-scooter you must:
- meet the minimum age limit; these can vary depending on the provider, so please check with them
- hold the correct driving licence (category Q or P/M)
- create an account with the rental company
E-scooters can only be used in approved areas.
Legal use of an e-scooter
It’s legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.
Where a trial rental scheme is running, it’s legal to use a rental e-scooter on a public road or cycle lane, provided you have the correct licence and follow road traffic regulations.
Penalties and offences
If you don’t have a licence, or the correct licence, or are riding without insurance you could face a Fixed Penalty notice:
- with a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
- up to £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence
You could also be committing an offence if you’re caught:
- riding on a pavement; Fixed Penalty Notice and possible £50 fine
- using a mobile phone or other handheld mobile device while riding; £200 and six penalty points
- riding through red lights; Fixed Penalty Notice, £100 fine and possible penalty points
- drink driving: the same as if you were driving a car, you could face court imposed fines, a driving ban and possible imprisonment
If you’re using an e-scooter in public in an antisocial manner, you can also risk the e-scooter being seized under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
When riding an e-scooter, we would always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet and to keep to the speed limit.
Download the E-Scooters Guide here.
