The UK law and electric scooters
The growing popularity in electric scooters, coupled with the increasing demand on the government to seek alternative modes of transport that are greener, cleaner, and cheaper, mean the future for adult electric scooting looks bright. Electric scooting and scooter sharing is becoming big business globally, with the likes of Lime rolling out schemes in ten countries including the US, Germany, New Zealand, France, Spain and Canada.
There’s pressure on the UK to keep pace but despite electric scooters being around for some time, there’s still consumer uncertainty about where electric scooters can be legally ridden and the UK law is at best, confusing.
With this in mind, we take a closer look at the current legalities around adult electric scooter usage in the UK by answering some of the common questions.
Can adult electric scooters be used on the road?
No, an electric scooter cannot be ridden on the road for a couple of reasons. The DVLA requires electric vehicles to be registered and taxed in order to use the road. However, because the adult electric scooter falls within the PLEV category (Personal Light Electric Vehicle) its power and low maximum speed mean it cannot be used on public roads in the UK. This rule also extends to pavements too. However, the electric scooter can be used on private land, such as your home or off-road space.
Can you ride electric scooters on footpaths?
Under the Highway Act, electric scooters are not allowed to be used on a footpath unless needing to do so in order to park.
Do you need a licence for adult electric scooters?
No, you are not required to have a driver’s licence or learners permit in order to use an electric scooter because it cannot be used on roads.
Do I need to register or tax an adult electric scooter?
No, you do not need to register an electric scooter and it is tax exempt because it cannot be used on roads.
Do I need to insure an adult electric scooter?
No, insurance is not required to ride an electric scooter.