KNOW THE LAW
E-SCOOTERS AND THE LAW
In the UK, the use of privately owned electric scooters, or e-scooters, in public places, such as roads, cycle lanes and pavements and parks is ILLEGAL.
E-scooters are "powered transporters" and are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The laws relating to owning and using a motor vehicle therefore apply to e-scooters, meaning they requires a licence and insurance to use in public spaces. Insurance is currently not available for e-scooters which makes them illegal to use in public.
A privately owned e-scooter can only be used on private land.
If you or your child use an e-scooter illegally, you risk facing criminal prosecution. If the e-scooter is involved in an accident and injures or kills someone, the consequences could be severe.
Government rules on the use of privately owned e-scooters can be found here.
OFFICIAL TRIALS
There are official e-scooter trial schemes in several cities across the UK. To use an e-scooter within these trials, you must have a driving licence with the category Q entitlement. Full guidance on official e-scooter trials can be found here.