Otis Singleton
Electric scooters are a popular mode of transport in London, with many people opting for this green alternative to traditional transport. While it is legal to buy electric scooters in the UK, it is not legal to ride them on public roads. The only exception to this is the government-backed rental trial scheme being carried out in 31 cities across the UK, including London. These trials aim to test the safety and sustainability of electric scooters as an alternative mode of transport. While the future of electric scooters in London remains uncertain, there is growing pressure to legalise them, with Transport Secretary Louise Haigh promising to legislate on their use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of electric scooters on London roads | It is currently illegal to ride privately-owned electric scooters on London roads. |
| Legality of rental electric scooters on London roads | It is legal to ride rental electric scooters on London roads as part of the government-backed rental trial scheme. |
| Speed limit for rental electric scooters | Capped at 12 mph across London. |
| Age limit for rental electric scooters | 16 years and above. |
| Driving license requirement for rental electric scooters | At least a provisional driving license is required. |
| Insurance requirement for rental electric scooters | A motor vehicle insurance policy is required, with the rental operators responsible for covering the insurance. |
| Number of London boroughs where trials are being conducted | 10 |
| Operators selected to run the trial schemes | Lime and Voi |
| Number of trial areas in the UK | 31 cities |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric scooters are legal to buy but not to ride on public roads
- The UK government is running trials in 31 regions where it is legal to use rental scooters
- London's e-scooter trials are taking place in 10 boroughs
- E-scooters in London have a maximum speed limit of 12mph
- Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to legislate on e-scooters
Electric scooters are legal to buy but not to ride on public roads
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in the UK, with London alone reporting 2.5 million trips totalling 6.5 million km as of 2022. While it is legal to buy an electric scooter, it is not legal to ride a privately-owned scooter on public roads.
The UK government has been running trials since 2020 in 31 cities across England to test the safety and sustainability of electric scooters as a mode of transport. These trials have allowed rental or shared e-scooters in specific locations, deeming them motor vehicles. The scooters used in these trials are required to have a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and can only carry a single rider. The operators of these scooters are responsible for providing motor vehicle insurance.
In London, the trial is being conducted in ten boroughs with operators Lime and Voi. The scooters are capped at a speed of 12 mph and users are required to take training on the Lime app before hiring a scooter. While the trials have seen some success, there are still concerns about safety, with many calling for better regulation and enforcement of the rules.
Despite the popularity of electric scooters and their potential to reduce emissions from transport, the UK has been slow to legalise their use on public roads. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to legislate on e-scooters, but not until the next parliamentary session at the earliest. In the meantime, private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, and users risk facing legal consequences if they choose to do so.
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The UK government is running trials in 31 regions where it is legal to use rental scooters
The popularity of electric scooters has been growing due to the rising cost of fuel and increasing awareness of the climate crisis. More and more commuters are choosing this green alternative to traditional transport to get to where they need to go. E-scooters produce zero carbon emissions, unlike cars, motorbikes, and public transport, and they’re also more affordable, which appeals to younger commuters.
During the trials, e-scooters must have a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and only carry a single rider. A motor vehicle insurance policy is required, but the rental operators are responsible for covering the insurance. E-scooter users need to have a valid driving licence with a category Q entitlement (found on licences for categories AM, A, or B). In London, the trials started in June 2021 and currently operate in ten boroughs with operators Lime and Voi selected to run the schemes. Age restrictions limiting rentals to those aged over 18 have already been eased, with those aged 16 and over permitted to rent e-scooters. As per DfT guidance, all riders require at least a provisional driving licence.
Lime has worked with TfL and London Councils to introduce a number of important interventions to make sure its London e-scooter service is as safe as possible for riders, road users, and pedestrians. These include requiring all users to take training on the Lime app the first time they hire an e-scooter, holding in-person training events and helmet giveaways across London, and capping the speed of electric scooters at 12 mph across London. Lime's GPS technology means it can enforce speed limits in specific, low-speed or no-ride zones, such as in pedestrianised areas or outside schools and hospitals.
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London's e-scooter trials are taking place in 10 boroughs
Electric scooters are not currently legal to ride on public roads in the UK. However, the UK government is running trials in 31 regions where it is legal to use rental scooters on public roads (excluding motorways) and in cycle lanes. London's e-scooter trials, which began in June 2021, are taking place in ten boroughs with operators Lime and Voi selected to run the schemes. The trials have been expanded to three new boroughs: the City of London, and parts of Lambeth and Southwark.
The e-scooters in the London trials are limited to a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, and they are fitted with lights that remain permanently on. They also use geofencing technology to prevent them from being used in certain areas, such as the Royal Parks, the South Bank, and the area around St Paul's Cathedral. This technology causes a reduction in power or cuts the motor when the scooter enters a controlled zone, and currently affects 15% of all trips in the trial zones. In addition, users must take a safety lesson before their first hire.
The London trials initially offered 60 to 150 e-scooters for rent in each participating borough, with riders able to move freely across these boroughs and 'ride-through' areas. The operators have implemented safety mechanisms, including 'first ride policies', where riders must take an e-learning safety course before their first hire. The rental prices are also required to take into account the needs of people on lower incomes, with discounts for certain groups such as key workers.
The e-scooter trials aim to gather data and insights to determine the long-term role that e-scooters could play in London's strategy for a greener and healthier future. Helen Sharp, TfL's e-scooter trial lead, emphasised that "safety is at the core" of the trial, and they are working closely with the operators and London boroughs to ensure rigorous standards are met. However, the introduction of e-scooters has faced opposition from some disability charities, who have raised concerns about the impact on individuals with impaired vision.
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E-scooters in London have a maximum speed limit of 12mph
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are not currently legal to ride on public roads in London or anywhere else in the UK. Despite their popularity, they are only legal to rent and ride in certain trial areas. In London, these trials are taking place in ten boroughs, including Westminster, and are run by operators such as Lime, Dott, TIER, and Voi. The trials aim to assess the safety of e-scooters and determine how they can be used safely on London roads.
While it is legal to buy e-scooters in the UK, it is not legal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads. This restriction also applies to cycle lanes and public places, except in specific trial areas. The UK government is currently running trials in 31 regions where it is legal to use rental scooters on public roads and in cycle lanes. However, it is important to note that these trials do not include privately-owned e-scooters.
The maximum speed limit for e-scooters in London's trials is 12.5 mph, capped to ensure safety for public road use. This speed limit is significantly lower than that of privately-owned e-scooters, which can reach speeds of up to 70 mph. In "go-slow" areas, the speed of rental e-scooters will automatically decrease to 8 mph. This feature is implemented to enhance safety measures, particularly in controlled zones, where geofencing requirements cause a reduction in power or cut the motor.
The safety features of the e-scooters in the London trials extend beyond speed limits. The e-scooters are designed with large wheels, measuring at least 12 inches in diameter, to improve navigation on various road surfaces. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with front and rear lights that remain illuminated throughout the rental period, enhancing visibility. To promote responsible riding, first-time riders are required to undergo mandatory education on how to ride safely in London.
Despite the trials and safety measures, concerns about e-scooters persist among pedestrians and critics. Some people in London view e-scooters negatively due to safety worries and the high number of complaints they have generated. E-scooters have been associated with hundreds of injuries and even fatalities, including the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl in East London. As a result, stricter fines and penalties have been implemented for violations such as riding on pavements, using a mobile phone while riding, or running red lights.
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Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to legislate on e-scooters
Electric scooters are currently illegal to ride on UK roads and pavements. However, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to introduce legislation regulating the use of e-scooters. In response to a question from the Commons' Transport Select Committee, Ms Haigh acknowledged that regulations for e-scooters are "clearly required" and affirmed that the government will "look to legislate, absolutely." This indicates the government's intention to legalise the use of private e-scooters on public roads.
The Transport Secretary's statement comes as a response to the growing popularity of e-scooters, particularly in urban areas. Despite their illegal status, private e-scooters have become a common sight in cities like London. The government has been running trials of rental e-scooters on roads in England since July 2020, and these trials have been extended due to the lack of parliamentary time and relevant legislation to regulate e-scooters. The latest extension will run until May 2026.
In London, the e-scooter trial operates in ten boroughs, with operators Lime and Voi managing the schemes. The trials have seen some changes, such as the easing of geofencing rules and age restrictions. Geofencing requirements, which limit the speed or cut the motor of e-scooters in controlled zones, have been reduced to improve the rider experience without compromising safety. The age limit for rentals has also been lowered from 18 to 16 years old.
While the legalisation of e-scooters in the UK has been long-awaited, there are safety concerns to consider. Department for Transport figures revealed that in 2022, 11 riders and one pedestrian died in e-scooter crashes in Britain, with an additional 1,480 injured casualties. As Ms Haigh noted, there are also issues regarding parking and street litter that need to be addressed. However, she believes that e-scooters can play a "really effective part" in an integrated transport strategy, especially for individuals with accessibility needs.
The government's next steps in legislating e-scooters are highly anticipated, and the Transport Secretary's commitment to introducing regulations is a positive sign for those advocating for the legalisation of this popular mode of transport.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are not allowed on London roads. The only exception to this is the government-backed rental trial scheme, which is being carried out in 31 cities across the UK. In London, the trial is currently operating in 10 boroughs with operators Lime and Voi.
Yes, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has promised to legislate on e-scooters, but not until the next parliamentary session at the earliest. There is widespread support for the legalisation of e-scooters, with many citing the environmental benefits of their use.
The London trial started in June 2021. Users must be over 16 and have at least a provisional driving licence. The scooters have a maximum speed of 12mph and are required to park in designated bays.
