E-Scooters

With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to emphasis again the importance of understanding the do's and dont's around E-Scooter use.

Is It Legal to use electric scooters in the UK you asked?

You can legally buy electric scooters in the UK, but you cannot use them on public roads, cycle paths, or pavements. You may only use electric scooters on private land with the landowner’s permission. This is because electric scooters are legally classified as motor vehicles and must be taxed, insured, licensed, and have a valid MOT certificate. They must also have a number plate, indicators, and visible rear lights. Since most electric scooters do not have these features, they cannot be legally used on UK roads.

What happens if the police stop you? 

You will be informed about the law, you may be asked to take the scooter home, and you could risk having your scooter confiscated. Depending on the severity of the offence, you could be fined: 

• £300 and 6 penalty points for driving without insurance. 

• £100 and 3–6 penalty points for driving without a licence. 

Other offences you should be aware of, which also carry fines, include: 

• Riding on the pavement – £50 fine 

• Using a mobile phone while riding – £200 fine and 6 penalty points 

• Running a red light – £100 fine and possible penalty points

Alcohol and electric scooters?

If you are caught riding your electric scooter while over the legal alcohol limit, you will be penalised in the same way as someone driving a car under the influence. This includes a court-issued fine, a driving ban, and the possibility of imprisonment.

Electric scooters and antisocial behaviour…

If you use an electric scooter in an antisocial manner in public, you risk having it seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act