What Are the Laws on Electric Scooters? What Do I Do if I Have Been Charged with an Offence on an Electric Scooter?
You are allowed to own an electric scooter- but there are limitations. You can own, rent, hire, buy and sell electric scooters. You can ride these on private land. It is not legal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads, cycle paths or pavements.
If you ride an e-scooter as part of the government trial scheme, they are allowed to be operated on specified public roads and bike paths.
You must be 18 or over to operate an e-scooter.
What is an e-scooter?
An e-scooter is a motor vehicle that:
- Is fitted with only an electric motor with a power rating ceiling of 500W
- Not equipped with propelling pedals
- Cannot go faster than 15.5mph or carry more than one person
- Has two wheels, power control, hand controls and handlebars
- Does not weigh more than 55kg.
In London there are strict requirements: before taking your first ride on an e-scooter you must complete training and the speed of e-scooters cannot exceed 8mph.
Do I need a driving license to drive an e-scooter?
You do not need a driving license to drive an e-scooter on privately owned land. You can drive a government e-scooter if:
- You have a UK driving license with a Q entitlement
- A full or provisional driving license for AM, A or B
- An overseas drivers license as long as this permit driving of small vehicles ie. Cars or motorbikes.
What are the penalties if I drive my e-scooter illegally?
- Speeding fines up to £300.00.
- Penalty points can be endorsed on your licence.
- You can get a disqualification from driving.
- The e-scooter can be seized.
In London you can get a fine of £50 for riding on the pavement and another £100 for breaking traffic rules or using a mobile telephone whilst riding.
If you drink and are caught riding an e-scooter, the drink-drive law will apply.
If you have been charged with any of the above offences, get in contact with our specialist lawyers.
