From big cities like London to smaller towns like Cheltenham, electric scooters have become a normal sight – whether that’s people commuting to a train station or tourists seeing the sites. And then there’s the huge choice of e-scooters for sale in shops and online.
With scooters seemingly everywhere, it can be confusing to work out where you can and can’t ride them. And how the rules change depending on whether it’s a rental scooter or privately owned scooter. So, to make sure you’re up to date for 2024 and beyond, here’s everything you need to know about electric scooter rules – so you can have fun, stay safe and make sure you’re scooting within the law.
Where can electric scooters be used?
Roads, pavements, cycle lanes or private land? It can be hard to keep up with all the rules and regulations. All scooters are limited to a top speed of 15.5 mph, but there are important differences between e-scooters you can rent and privately owned scooters. So, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know depending on whether you’re renting or if the scooter belongs to you.
Rented electric scooter laws
The good news is that the rental company should tell you everything you need to know before you’ll be allowed to jump on an e-scooter and ride away. But here are some things you should know:
Driving license
You won’t be able to hire an e-scooter in the UK unless you have a full or provisional driving license. Because you’ll be using the road network and riding a powered vehicle, you’ll need that driving license, or at least to be learning. Most EU and international driving licenses will be accepted too. If you’re renting a scooter, the app will most likely prompt you for a scan of your license.
Where you can ride
Where rental scooters are available to hire, you’ll generally find that it’s an e-scooter trial area (more on that below). What that means is that you’re allowed to use the electric scooter you hire on the road, in bicycle lanes or in certain public areas. When you rent an e-scooter, you’ll generally do that through an app, which should tell you where you can and can’t go. As a good rule of thumb, just treat it the same as riding a bicycle.
For example, cycle lanes are fine, as are lots of smaller roads. Certain areas of parks might be ok, but it’s always important to check signage. On the whole, you can’t ride your s-scooter in pedestrianised areas.
You can also be fined for riding without a license, riding through red lights, using a mobile phone while you ride or drink driving.
Private electric scooter laws
Privately owned electric scooters are completely different. You can only use them on private land with the landowner’s permission. You’re currently not allowed to use your own scooter on cycle lanes, roads or anywhere else public. The main reason is that it’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. You’ll also need a driving license to use your own adult e-scooter.
Why are electric scooters currently illegal on pavements?
Because e-scooters count as a type of motor vehicle under UK law, it means that regulations that apply to cars and motorbikes can (in some cases) apply to electric scooters too.
Because pavements are there for pedestrians, it’s obviously not safe to have fast-moving vehicle (like an e-scooter) using the same space. In the same way, you can’t cycle on pavements either. To use a rental e-scooter safely and legally, always stick to roads and cycle lanes, making sure you’re following all the rules.
Electric scooter trial areas
Electric scooter rental trials were rolled out across the UK in the summer of 2020. As it stands, there are currently trials in the following areas:
Bournemouth and Pool
Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough)
Cambridge
Cheshire West and Chester (Chester)
Derby
Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester)
Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester)
Great Yarmouth
Liverpool
London (participating boroughs)
Milton Keynes
Newcastle
North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough)
North Devon
Norwich
Nottingham
Oxfordshire (Oxford)
Salford
Solent (Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton)
Somerset (Taunton, Minehead and Yeovil)
Tees Valley (Hartlepool and Middlesbrough)
West Midlands (Birmingham)
West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath)
York
Future law changes
We had hoped to hear about legislation for letting private electric scooters in public spaces during the last King’s Speech with possible laws in 2024. Unfortunately, there was no mention, which means that we’ll just have to wait longer.
Until then, private e-scooters being used in public could lead to fines, seizure of e-scooter and penalty points on their licence. So be sure to keep enjoying using your e-scooter on private land only.
FAQs
Do you need a driver's license for an electric scooter?
Yes, either a driver’s license or a provisional driving license. It’s currently illegal to ride electric scooters on UK public roads. Because e-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), they’re subject to the same legal requirements as other motor vehicles such as tax, insurance, and of course a driving licence.
Will police stop me on electric scooter?
If you're riding a private electric scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lane in the UK, you may be stopped by the police and charged with a fixed penalty notice. However, since July 4th 2020, rental e-scooters have been allowed on the UK's roads as part of a government trial scheme in some cities. The rules vary across cities, so it's important to check the local regulations before riding an e-scooter. Here are some general rules to follow when riding an e-scooter:
The rider must be at least 16 years old and obey laws that apply to bicycles and vehicles.
The electric scooter must have lights and reflectors.
The rider should wear a helmet when riding an e-scooter.
Remember to always ride safely and responsibly.
Which electric scooter does not need a license in the UK?
Some e-scooters that do not require a license. These include Electric Kick Scooters: These resemble the traditional push kick scooters but come with an electric motor to assist in propulsion. You also don’t need a driving license for a child’s electric scooter, but these are speed limited and are only ever permissible for use on private land. You’ll never be able to rent a kid’s e-scooter for use in a public area.
If you’re thinking of buying an electric scooter but don’t know where to start, check out our electric scooter buying guide to help find the best electric scooter for you.