Otis Singleton
Electric kick scooters are a popular mode of transport in many cities around the world, but their legality in the UK is a little more complicated. Electric scooters have been illegal on UK roads and public pavements since 2006, when the Department for Transport (DfT) invoked section 72 of the 1835 Highways Act. However, in 2020, the government announced that it would be allowing rental e-scooters on UK roads as part of a 12-month trial in four 'Future Mobility Zones' across England.
The law on using kick scooters on the pavement is less clear. While some sources claim that kick scooters are unlawful on the pavement, others argue that there is no existing case law on the matter, and therefore no definitive legality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of electric kick scooters on UK roads | Illegal |
| Legality of electric kick scooters on UK pavements | Illegal |
| Legality of electric kick scooters on private UK land | Legal with landowner's consent |
| Legality of kick scooters on UK roads | No law against |
| Legality of kick scooters on UK pavements | No law against |
| Legality of kick scooters on UK cycle lanes | No law against |
| Legality of kick scooters on UK footpaths | No law against |
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What You'll Learn
Electric kick scooters are legal in some European countries
Electric kick scooters are currently illegal on public roads and pavements in the UK. They are classed as motor vehicles and do not comply with road traffic laws. However, the UK government is considering legalising them, with 31 regions running trials where it is legal to use rental scooters on public roads and cycle lanes.
In contrast, electric kick scooters are legal in some European countries. For example, in Paris, electric kick scooters are allowed on pavements up to 6 kph and on cycle lanes up to 25 kph. In France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, electric scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are permitted to travel at 25 kph in cycle lanes. In these countries, the speed limit for PLEVs on pavements is 6 kph.
The laws regarding electric kick scooters in Europe vary from country to country. For instance, in California, "electrically motorized boards" are allowed on sidewalks and highways, while in the US, as a whole, PLEVs can be used in cycle lanes, pavements, and roads if the rider is over 16 and wears a helmet.
The varying legality of electric kick scooters across Europe highlights the need for clear and consistent regulations. As the popularity of electric kick scooters continues to grow, it is essential that governments and legislators work together to establish comprehensive and uniform laws that prioritize safety and accessibility for all road users.
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They are illegal on UK roads and public pavements
Electric kick scooters are illegal on UK roads and public pavements. They have been illegal since 2006, when the Department for Transport (DfT) invoked Section 72 of the 1835 Highways Act. This means that, in the UK, you can only legally ride an electric scooter on private land and with the landowner's consent. If you are caught riding an electric scooter on a public highway, you could be liable for a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your driver's license. This is because you would technically be driving a motor vehicle with no insurance.
The law does not currently state that riding a kick scooter is either legal or illegal. However, kick scooters should be ridden on the pavement or footpath, and they do not have the right of way on either of these surfaces. If an accident occurs, there may be legal implications for the scooter rider, as pedestrians always have the right of way.
In other countries, electric scooters are legal. For example, in California, "electrically motorized boards" are permitted on sidewalks and highways. In Paris, electric scooters are legally defined in terms of speed—up to 6kph on the pavement and 25kph in a cycle lane. In Austria and Switzerland, electric scooters are permitted to travel at 25kph on roads.
The UK government is looking into legalising e-scooters, with 31 regions running trials where it is legal to use rental scooters on public roads (excluding motorways) and in cycle lanes. However, there are still no plans to expand the number of trial towns, and even in these trial areas, you cannot use a privately-owned e-scooter on the road.
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Privately-owned scooters cannot be used on public roads
Electric kick scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are permitted to travel at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour in cycle lanes in some European countries, such as France, Austria, and Switzerland. However, the situation is different in the UK, where there is confusion and a lack of clarity regarding the legality of privately-owned electric scooters on public roads.
In the UK, electric-powered scooters and self-balancing Segways were banned from public pavements in 2006 when the Department for Transport (DfT) invoked Section 72 of The 1835 Highways Act. This ban extended to roads as well, as these vehicles did not adhere to EU vehicle certification rules. As a result, electric scooters can only be legally ridden on private land with the landowner's consent. Riding an electric scooter on a public road in the UK could result in a fine of £300 and six penalty points, as it is technically considered driving a motor vehicle without insurance.
The UK government has been considering legalising e-scooters, and in 2020, the Department for Transport allowed rental e-scooter trials on UK roads. These trials have been extended until May 31, 2026, and the government is using them to evaluate the suitability of e-scooters for the longer term. However, even in these trial areas, privately-owned e-scooters are not permitted on public roads.
The lack of clarity in UK law regarding the status of kick scooters has led to confusion among the public. While some sources suggest that kick scooters should be ridden on pavements or footpaths, they do not have the right of way on these surfaces, and there may be legal implications if an accident occurs. It is recommended that scooter riders exercise caution, respect pedestrian traffic rules, and always be prepared to give way to pedestrians.
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They are classed as motor vehicles and need insurance
Electric kick scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are considered motor vehicles under UK road traffic laws. This means that they require insurance to be used on roads and in public places. While the popularity of electric scooters has grown in recent years, they are still not widely legalised in the UK.
In 2006, electric-powered scooters and self-balancing Segways were banned from public pavements in the UK when the Department for Transport (DfT) invoked Section 72 of the 1835 Highway Act. This legislation also prohibited the use of Segways on roads, as they did not adhere to EU vehicle certification rules.
The legal status of electric scooters in the UK is complex and often confusing. While it is legal to purchase an electric scooter, it is not currently legal to ride a privately-owned scooter on public roads. Electric scooters are permitted on private land, but only with the landowner's consent.
The UK government has recognised the potential benefits of electric scooters, particularly in reducing congestion and air pollution. As a result, they have been running trials in 31 regions across the UK, where rental scooters can be used on public roads (excluding motorways) and in cycle lanes. These trials have been extended until May 31, 2026, to further evaluate the suitability of electric scooters for long-term use.
It is important to note that the legal requirements for electric scooters may change in the future. The Department for Transport has indicated that the legalisation of all scooters is still a possibility, but no definitive plans have been announced. As of January 2024, electric scooters are still considered motor vehicles and require insurance to be used on UK roads.
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Kick scooters are allowed on the pavement or footpath
The legality of kick scooters on UK pavements and footpaths is a bit of a grey area. While there is no law that explicitly prohibits kick scooters on pavements and footpaths, there is also no law that explicitly permits them.
In 2006, electric-powered scooters and self-balancing Segways were banned from public pavements and roads in the UK, as they did not adhere to EU vehicle certification rules. However, this ban does not apply to kick scooters, which are human-powered and lack mechanical propulsion.
Some sources suggest that kick scooters should be allowed on pavements and footpaths, but riders should adhere to certain rules, such as respecting pedestrian traffic lights, using protected passages to cross the road, and not exceeding a speed of 6 km/h. Kick scooter riders should also be prepared to stop or slow down to give way to pedestrians, as pedestrians always have the right of way.
The lack of clarity in the law has led to confusion among both riders and law enforcement officers, with some riders reporting concerns about being fined by police who may not fully understand the difference between electric and kick scooters.
Until the law is updated to provide clearer guidelines, kick scooter riders should exercise caution and be prepared to yield to pedestrians at all times.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric kick scooters are illegal to use on public pavements in the UK. However, there is no law against using a kick scooter on the pavement, as long as you do not interfere with the movement of other pedestrians, respect pedestrian traffic lights, use protected passages to cross the road, and do not exceed a speed of 6 km/h.
Electric kick scooters are illegal to use on UK roads because they do not comply with EU vehicle certification rules.
Electric kick scooters can be used on private land, with the landowner's permission.
