Electric Scooter Law in the UK as of January 2021
Are electric scooters illegal in the UK?
In the UK, you are legally entitled to buy, sell and own an electric scooter. However, it is currently illegal in the UK to use an electric scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes. Electric scooters can only be legally used in the UK on private land with the permission of the landowner or local councils.
As we see thousands of electric scooters in use every day in European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam (where 14,000 e-scooters are available to hire!) e-scooter popularity is growing in UK cities, only slowed by the status of e-scooters in UK Law at present.
What does the law in the UK say about electric scooters?
In UK law, HANDeSCOOT is classified as a “powered transporter”, alongside products such as hoverboards, “go-peds”, and powered unicycles. Due to the way in which “powered transporters” are designed and motorised, every product in this classification – including electric scooters – falls within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle” in the UK. So, this means that in order to be road legal, an electric scooter would need to meet all of the standards required of motor vehicles by the Road Traffic Act 1988. These are the same, stringent standards which cars are required to meet and would include being registered with the DVLA, licensed, taxed, insured and fitted with number plates.
Where is it legal to use an electric scooter in the UK?
Electric scooters may be used on private land with the permission of the landowner or local council. This definition has a wider application than you might think. In 2018, a successful trial took place at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park UK where users were able to rent electric scooters to travel around the park. This was made possible because the park is open to the public, but privately owned.
Is UK electric scooter law likely to change?
Yes! Earlier in 2020 the UK government announced proposals to hold a consultation on electric scooter use in the UK, paving the way for the technology to be used legally and safely on public roads. The proposed legislation on e-scooters is part of a wider Future Transport initiative. Due to Covid19 as you can imagine, this has not been a priority of the UK governments transport department.
The positive news is that times are changing. Pending the outcome of an e-scooter trial announced by the UK government this year, we can soon expect to enjoy legal, widespread electric scooter use in the UK.
For further info please email info@HANDeSCOOT.com