Police have clarified the rules around riding electric scooters in public in the UK, and the regulations are very clear. E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning riders must have a licence and insurance to use them legally.
What is an e-scooter?
According to the Met Police, e-scooters fall under the category of 'powered transporters', which covers a range of personal transport devices powered by a motor. Because of this classification, they are treated as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
There are currently two ways to use them: by owning one privately, or by renting one through an approved scheme such as Lime or Voi.
Can you ride an e-scooter on the road or pavement?
The answer is yes, but only if you are borrowing it. For privately owned e-scooters, you currently cannot get insurance, so it is not legal to ride them in public places such as on the road, pavement, or park.
If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, it may be seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding one, it will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
When is it legal to ride an e-scooter?
If you have a privately owned one, you can use it on private land, but you must have the permission of the landowner before doing so. Alternatively, you can borrow one from rental scheme trials which have been set up in some parts of the UK. These can be used on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces.
But you must follow the relevant road traffic laws or you could be prosecuted. In order to rent an e-scooter, you have to hold the correct driving licence, have insurance, and meet the minimum age limit, which varies for each company.
What is the punishment for riding an e-scooter illegally?
The police warn that if you are found to be breaking the rules with your e-scooter, you could face a fixed penalty fine, and it could be taken off you for good. They said: "Forces set and enforce penalties differently, so the penalty will vary depending on where the offence is committed."
They added: "For example, Devon and Cornwall police will not issue fines, so other forms of penalty will be used if you use an e-scooter in a public place when not part of an approved trial." To be on the safe side, stick to the guidelines, speed limits, stay off your phone while you use them, and always wear a helmet.
