Police have settled the debate on UK e-scooter laws, confirming that riding them in public is only legal under certain circumstances. E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning riders must hold a valid licence and insurance.
What is an e-scooter?
According to the Met Police, e-scooters fall under the category of 'powered transporters', which covers a variety of personal transport devices driven by a motor. As a result, they are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning riders must hold a valid licence and insurance.
Currently, there are two ways to use one - either by owning one privately, or by hiring one through a rental scheme such as Lime or Voi.
Can you ride an e-scooter on the road or pavement?
The short answer is yes - but only if you're renting one. For privately owned e-scooters, insurance is currently unavailable, making it illegal to ride them in public spaces such as roads, pavements or parks. If you are caught using a privately-owned e-scooter in public, it may be seized under S. 165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance.
And, 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 own one privately, you are permitted to use it on private land, provided you have obtained the landowner's permission first. Alternatively, like the majority of people, you can hire one from rental scheme trials that have been set up in certain areas across the UK. These can be ridden on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces. However, you must stick to the relevant road traffic laws or you could face prosecution.
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?
Police warn that if you are caught breaking the rules with your e-scooter, you could face a fixed penalty fine, and the scooter could be confiscated permanently. They said: "Forces set and enforce penalties differently, so the penalty will vary depending on where the offence is committed. 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 stay on the safe side, stick to the guidelines, observe speed limits, keep off your phone while using them, and always wear a helmet.
