What is the law about riding electric scooters in the UK?

Officers are seeing an increased amount of e-scooters being used on public roads and pavements which is currently against the law unless it is part of a government trial with rented e-scooters.

Riding an e-scooter on a public road or pavement may result in that person being reported for various traffic offences and the e-scooter being seized by police.

It is understood that buying an e-scooter can be tempting as they can be bought from many popular retailers.

The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.

However they go on to highlight that the current law is clear, here’s what to look out for:

• Although e-scooters can be bought, they cannot be ridden on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement – the only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.

• E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements.

• If an e-scooter driver is stopped by the police, they will be advised of the current law about how to use an e-scooter legally and ask you to take your e-scooter home.

• They may however still penalise the person depending on the nature and gravity of the offence.

St Albans police said: “We understand the public’s support for environmentally friendly mode of transport.

“We want to work with the public to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.”

The UK government is currently taking part in “Future Transport Zone” trials for e-scooter hire, with a view to making them legal to use on the roads.

E-scooters are also an environmentally friendly mode of transport.

For more information on using publicly owned e-scooters click here.

Guidance on rented e-scooters used as part of a government trial is available by following this link.