UK Law on E-Scooters
**Disclaimer: This is not legal advise and you should consider official up to date UK Law documentation when making decisions about where you ride your E-Scooter**
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, the laws regarding e-scooters in the UK are currently quite restrictive. In this article, we'll explore the current UK law for electric scooters and what you need to know if you're thinking about using one.
The current law
In the UK, it is illegal to ride e-scooters on public roads, cycle lanes, and pavements. This means that e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. If you are caught riding an e-scooter on a public road, you could face a fine of up to £300 and six points on your driving license.
The only exception to this law is for rental e-scooters that are part of government-sanctioned trials. Currently, rental e-scooters are legal in select areas of the UK, including London, Bristol, and Liverpool. However, even with rental e-scooters, there are restrictions. For example, you must be at least 16 years old to ride one, and you must have a valid driving license or provisional license.
The future of e-scooter laws in the UK
The UK government has acknowledged the growing popularity of e-scooters and is currently considering changes to the law. In March 2020, the government launched a consultation on the future of e-scooter laws in the UK. The consultation explored the potential benefits and risks of e-scooters, and asked for feedback on how they should be regulated.
In July 2020, the government announced a series of trials for rental e-scooters in selected areas of the UK. These trials are ongoing and are being used to gather data on the safety and effectiveness of e-scooters.
In January 2021, the government announced plans to accelerate the rollout of e-scooters in the UK. The plans include allowing e-scooters to be used on roads and cycle lanes, and creating a new regulatory framework for e-scooters. However, the exact details of the new regulations have not yet been announced, and it is unclear when they will come into effect.
What you need to know
If you're thinking about using an e-scooter in the UK, it's important to be aware of the current law. Riding an e-scooter on a public road, cycle lane, or pavement is illegal, and you could face a fine or penalty points on your driving license if you are caught. The only legal way to ride an e-scooter in the UK is to use a rental e-scooter that is part of a government-sanctioned trial.
However, the UK government is currently considering changes to the law that could make e-scooters more widely available. It's important to stay up-to-date with any changes to the law and to follow the rules and regulations if you do decide to use an e-scooter.
In conclusion, the laws regarding e-scooters in the UK are currently quite restrictive, but the government is considering changes to make e-scooters more widely available. If you're thinking about using an e-scooter, it's important to be aware of the current law and to follow any rules and regulations that apply.