Yes e-scooters are legal, however it is illegal to ride them on the road or a public space. That also applies to children in parks and public spaces.
The e-scooters are classed as powered transporters.
What are powered transporters?
The term “powered transporters” covers a variety of novel personal transport devices which are mechanically propelled (propelled by a motor) as well as or instead of being manually propelled. It includes e-scooters, Segways, hoverboards, go-peds (combustion engine-powered kick-scooters), powered unicycles, and u-wheels.
This term does not include electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), which have their own regulatory framework.
Where can a powered transporter be used legally?
You can use powered transporters on private land to which the public does not have access without legal restrictions. The permission of the owner or occupier of the land must be obtained however.
In other spaces various laws and regulations restrict the use of motor vehicles, including powered transporters. The way in which they restrict the use of powered transporter depends on where that use takes place.
Can I be prosecuted for using a powered transporter?
Breaches of the law relating to motor vehicle use are generally criminal offences. Local police forces enforce the law, and, together with the CPS where relevant, are responsible for prosecuting offenders.
The potential penalties depending on the nature and gravity of the offence, and sentences range from fines and penalty points to disqualification from driving. Those use powered transporters dangerously or under the influence of drink or drug driving can also be convicted of offences leading to imprisonment. Offences related to the standard of driving and speeding also apply.
Trails Of e-scooters
The government is running trials of electric scooters (e-scooters). This guidance lists the rules for members of the general public who are using e-scooters that are part of trials. This is for the rental of e-scooters and not privately owned e-scooters. You will also need a category Q entitlement on your driving licence. The maximum speed for an e-scooter is 15.5mph.
E-scooters must have motor insurance, but you do not need to arrange this as this will be provided by your e-scooter rental operator.
You should be at least 16 years of age
You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement. Full rules for e-scooters
It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter. If you use an e-scooter illegally:
- you could face a fine
- you could get penalty points on your licence
- the e-scooter could be impounded
Trials are taking place in these areas:
- Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury and High Wycombe)
- Cambridge
- Cheshire West and Chester (Chester)
- Copeland (Whitehaven)
- Derby
- Essex (Basildon)
- Kent (Canterbury)
- Liverpool
- Milton Keynes
- Northamptonshire (Kettering and Northampton)
- North Lincolnshire (Scunthorpe)
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Redditch
- Salford
- Slough
- Solent (Isle of Wight)
- Somerset West (Taunton)
- South Somerset (Yeovil)
- Staffordshire (Stafford and Newcastle-Under-Lyme)
- Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees)
- West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Solihull and Kenilworth)
- West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath)
- York
20 month ban for e-scooter rider found two times over the drink drive limit
An e-scooter rider who was spotted weaving dangerously through traffic whilst two times over the drink driving limit has been handed a lengthy ban.
Mohamed Shardi, 22 (25.08.98) of Streatham Hill, SW2 appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 December where he pleaded guilty to the following offences:
- Drink driving
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Driving with no insurance
- Criminal damage to a police cell
On Saturday, 8 August Police Sergeant Darren Watson was on a routine patrol with a colleague on Brixton Hill when they noticed an e-scooter being driven dangerously and weaving in and out of two lanes of traffic. At one stage, it narrowly missed striking their police car.
When officers stopped him, Shardi was argumentative and unsteady on his feet. He admitted drinking two bottles of beer, however he refused to be breathalysed.
After having the consequences of not providing a sample of breath explained to him, he was subsequently arrested and taken to a south London police station.
Once in custody, Shardi was breathalysed and found to be two times over the drink driving limit. While in custody, he also defaced his cell with excrement.
At court, Shardi was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for 20 months and handed fines totaling nearly £410. Part of the fine includes payment for the damage to the police cell.
PS Darren Watson said: “I am pleased with these results. Shardi knew he had been drinking and yet he still got on his scooter and in doing so showed little disregard for the law, his safety and that of other road users.
“E-scooters are currently illegal to drive anywhere apart from on private land. Please think about this before you use them on the roads.”
Under current legislation, the riding of private e-scooters on the road or in a public place remains illegal.
Specific legislation has been put in place for an e-scooter trial which could take place in the spring in London. The Met fully support this and the trial will focus on the safety of both the rider and road users.
Fundamentally, we want to keep members of the public safe on the roads and pavements in London. Source Met Police
