What is the law on electric scooters UK?

E-scooters are not illegal in the UK and you can buy, sell and own one perfectly legally. However, it is illegal to use an e-scooter in public unless it is rented as part of a recognised trial scheme. Privately-owned e-scooters aren’t covered by the trials and are still illegal to use in public.

Can you legally use electric scooters?

Following a surprise announcement on Monday 7 June 2021, e-scooters are now legal to use in London. However, the use of them comes with new restrictions.

Are electric scooters legal in the UK 2021?

Under current UK law, e-scooters are classed as ‘powered transporters’ and as such are treated in the same way as motor vehicles, so pavements and cycle paths are strictly off limits.

Can you get fined for riding an electric scooter?

Met Police said: ‘The riding of e-scooters on London’s roads and pavements remains illegal and potentially dangerous. Those found riding a private e-scooter could lose six points on their current or future driver’s licence and be fined up to £300.

Will the UK make e-scooters legal?

Rental e-scooters were made legal on British roads from July 4 last year. People can now hire e-scooters, often using smartphone apps, in a way similar to city centre bicycle hire schemes. Those looking to use a scooter during these trials must have the category Q entitlement on their driving licence.

Do you need a licence for an electric scooter UK?

Electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles, and so all riders must have a valid driver’s license and be over the age of 16 to ride them. The laws around electric scooter riding are constantly evolving.

Can police confiscate your’e-scooter?

Any e-scooter which is not part of a trial remains illegal to use other than on private land which must not be accessible to the public. If people use them in public in an antisocial manner, they can also be seized by officers under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

Is it legal to ride an electric scooter?

It is therefore illegal to ride a typical fun electric micro-scooter on the road. It is also illegal to use them on cycle paths and pavements, where mopeds are not permitted.This leads to the ridiculous situation that the only legal place to ride an electric scooter is on private property.

Are electric scooters legal on the roads in your state?

A scooter-user should be on the lookout for pedestrians and traffic signs. These are general guides however as they may be extra rules in the area where you live. E-scooters might be regarded legal in your state, but your city might have imposed restrictions. The vehicles might also be legal in your city but illegal on university campuses.

Is an electric scooter considered a motor vehicle?

Electric scooters appear to meet the definition of “motor vehicle” as they are self-propelled vehicles and are not mopeds (for which no license is required) or electric assisted bicycles. Thus, if an electric scooter is driven in the street, its driver must be licensed.

What are the California electric scooter rules?

California Electric Scooter Laws. Electric scooters are permitted on roads that do not have bicycle lanes as long as the speed limit for that road is no more than 25 mph. Unless turning left or passing, the scooter must be ridden close to the right hand curb. An electric scooter may not be operated on a sidewalk.