Using an e-scooter on private land is legal but for public use they are classed as powered transporters, which means e-scooters are covered by the same laws that govern the use of cars and other motor vehicles. That means it is illegal to ride them on pavements, footpaths, cycle lanes and in pedestrianised zones.
Can electric scooters be used on pavements?
Privately-owned e-scooters, which are widely available to buy online, are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. The only place a private e-scooter can be used is on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
Is it illegal to ride a scooter on the pavement UK?
The BBC continues to state that “scooters and skateboards cannot legally be used on pavements…. as they have no right of way over pedestrians” [BBC news Aug 2006] . We can agree that pedestrians have right of way, but this does not mean the same thing as scooters being illegal.
Are electric scooters legal in the UK 2020?
Legal status of e-scooters
While it is legal to buy or sell an e-scooter (classed as a battery-powered personal transport device), riding them on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes is against the law. Riders could face a £300 fine and six points on their licence if they use them on public roads or pavements.
What happens if you get caught with an electric scooter?
Met Police said: ‘The riding of e-scooters on London’s roads and pavements remains illegal and potentially dangerous. … Those found riding a private e-scooter could lose six points on their current or future driver’s licence and be fined up to £300.
Can you ride a kick scooter on the pavement?
Kick-scooters can be ridden on the pavement, footpath or a segregated cycle lane. Although Kick-scooters should be ridden on the pavement or footpath, they do not have right of way of either of these surfaces. If you are on a scooter, always be prepared to stop or slow down to give way to pedestrians.
Can you use a scooter on the road?
Rental electric scooters (e-scooters) are the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places within London – and even this is limited to specific boroughs. It is still illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters or other powered transporters on public roads.
Can you ride a scooter on a cycle path?
The use of e-scooters is not currently permitted in dedicated cycle lanes or, indeed, on any public highways or pavements in London. The legal position in relation to these vehicles and where they can be used is a national matter and is therefore the responsibility of the Department for Transport (DfT).
Why are electric scooters banned in UK?
Using an e-scooter on private land is legal but for public use they are classed as powered transporters, which means e-scooters are covered by the same laws that govern the use of cars and other motor vehicles. That means it is illegal to ride them on pavements, footpaths, cycle lanes and in pedestrianised zones.
Do you need a licence for an electric scooter UK?
Electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles, and so all riders must have a valid driver’s license and be over the age of 16 to ride them. The laws around electric scooter riding are constantly evolving.
Is Ebike legal in UK?
You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements. These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ ( EAPCs ). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
Do police care about e-scooters?
Police say they removed more than 500 e-scooters from the streets of London last week. Officers confiscated 507 of the contraptions during “proactive patrols” across all boroughs. … Because e-scooters do not always have visible rear red lights, number plates or signalling ability, they cannot be used legally on roads.
How do you legally ride an electric scooter?
You will need a driving license with a category Q entitlement to be allowed to hire an e-scooter in the official trial. This is included in provisional licenses under categories AM, A or B, too. If you only have an international driving license from overseas, you will not be able to ride an e-scooter.