Over the last few years, the use of electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, has risen significantly. However, because their popularity has risen exponentially, the law around them has had to change just as quickly. This has resulted in confusion from e-scooter users and pedestrians alike. It boils down to one question: are electric scooters legal?

In this guide, we’ll break down the current laws surrounding e-scooters, helping to address any confusion and answer common questions. If you’ve experienced an injury involving an e-scooter, we’ll also provide clear guidance on your legal rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Are electric scooters legal in the UK?

When it comes to using e-scooters in the UK, the law differs greatly between riding a scooter you own and riding a scooter you have rented. At this time, it is illegal to use an e-scooter that you own on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes — they can only be used on your own private land, or on the land of another permitting individual. The main reason for this is because they are classed as powered transports, which means they fall into the same category as motor vehicles.

However, this is not the case with rental electric scooters. You might have seen these vehicles in cities around the UK — they’re government-authorised trails that allow the public to legally ride the e-scooters in designated zones. However, in order to ride, you must have a provisional or full driving licence and adhere to all local rules.

Legal requirements for using electric scooters

In the UK, there are strict rules around using electric scooters, be it owned or rented. Let’s look at the difference between the two types:

Private e-scootersRental e-scooters
  • Just like motor vehicles, private e-scooters require a driver’s licence.
  • If you own an e-scooter, it must be registered with the DVLA and is subject to vehicle tax.
  • If your scooter is deemed road legal, it also needs to pass an MOT.
  • You must be at least 16 to ride an e-scooter as they require a provisional licence or above.
  • Helmets should be worn, but they are not a legal requirement as of yet.
  • Riding rental e-scooters is only allowed within areas designated by the rental company.

Because the requirements for private electric scooters are difficult to meet under current regulations, they are effectively restricted to private property use.

What are the potential consequences of using an e-scooter illegally?

If you ride an electric scooter, breaking the laws around it could lead to serious consequences. These include:

  • Fines — You could face fines of up to £300 for illegally riding an e-scooter where it shouldn’t be.
  • Points — You could face six points on your licence for illegally riding an e-scooter where it shouldn’t be.
  • Impoundment — Your e-scooter could be confiscated by the police if you are illegally riding it where it shouldn’t be.
  • Charges — You could face criminal charges if you ride your e-scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Beyond legal penalties, causing harm to another person while riding could result in serious legal action, such as being the subject of a road traffic accident claim.

Safety risks and accident statistics for e-scooters

It doesn’t matter how convenient e-scooters are, traveling at relatively high speeds on a vehicle that has no crumple zone to protect the rider will bring risk along with it. The most common risks associated with electric scooters are:

  • Collisions — No matter how careful you might be while riding a scooter, there’s always the risk of a collision. Be it with pedestrians, drivers or other vehicles.
  • Stability — Because scooters have two wheels rather than three or four, there is less stability overall and your risk of falling over relies on your balance.
  • Visibility — Because e-scooters are so small, without appropriate hi-vis clothing, you are less likely to be seen by other drivers.

Over the years since the popularisation of e-scooters, accidents have spiked. According to the UK Department for Transport‘s Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: e-Scooter factsheet 2023, there were 1,292 collisions involving e-scooters in 2023, resulting in 1,387 casualties. These stats illustrate the risk you could take on when riding an e-scooter, even if you do so legally.

What to do if you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident

If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, whether as a rider or a pedestrian, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights:

  1. Report — Report the accident as soon as it happens to the police. This police report will act as a key piece of evidence, so be as detailed as possible.
  2. Document — Document as much evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. This includes photographs, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim.
  3. Begin your claim — Kick-off your claim by bringing your case to Express Solicitors. Our experts will take it from here.

How can Express Solicitors support e-scooter accident claims?

While electric scooters may be a relatively new legal concern, our experts at Express Solicitors are committed to tackling every case, no matter how unique or complex.

So whether you’ve been injured as a rider or a pedestrian, we can provide clear, compassionate guidance on your rights and options for compensation.

And with our no-win, no-fee guarantee, know that we’ll be fighting in your corner without the need for payment unless we win the case for you. Don’t let an accident disrupt your life. Get in touch and let us help you today.