If you’re an electric scooter rider in the UK you’ve probably been frustrated by the lack of clear rules around where and how you can ride.

The conversation about introducing an electric scooter law has been going on for years—since at least 2015—and we’re still waiting for progress. It’s frustrating isn’t it?

Especially when electric scooters could be such a brilliant way to get around. So, where do things stand and what might the future look like for riders in the UK?

Current Electric Scooter Laws in the UK

Let’s clear up the confusion:

Rental electric scooters are allowed in certain areas as part of government trials. You’ll need at least a provisional driving licence to ride one and they’re capped at 15.5 mph.

Private electric scooters are technically illegal to ride on public roads, pavements or cycle paths. You can only use them on private land with the landowner’s permission.

But here’s the thing—despite being illegal private scooters are everywhere. Riders know it, the public knows it and the police know it. The trouble is without a proper electric scooter law we’re all stuck in this strange legal grey area where it’s not clear how things should work.

Some progress has been made though even amidst criticism of the government’s sluggish approach to electric scooter policies. I’ve written previously about how the UK’s ongoing trials and debates reflect both opportunities and challenges for riders, policymakers and pedestrians alike.

You can read more about these steps forward—and the criticisms they’ve faced—here.

Working Within the Current Legal Framework

For those willing to explore creative options there are also ways to work within the current framework. For instance I’ve managed to register my PLEV as an invalid carriage which offers a route for some riders under specific conditions. If that sounds like something you’re curious about check out my experience here.

Why Is an Electric Scooter Law Overdue in the UK?

The UK is way behind when it comes to electric scooter legislation. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh recently admitted that nothing will happen until after the next parliamentary session ends in summer 2025. Realistically experts reckon it could be 2027 or later before we see anything solid in place. That’s nearly a decade and a half since the conversation first started!

In the meantime the lack of rules leaves riders in a tricky position. On one hand some police forces seem to be taking a sensible approach. If you’re wearing safety gear, riding responsibly and being respectful of other road users they often give you the benefit of the doubt.

I’ve personally had positive interactions like this which is great to see. On the other hand there’s no guarantee—some riders are still stopped, fined or even have their scooters seized.

And it’s not just about enforcement. An electric scooter law would also make riding safer. In 2022 there were nearly 1,500 injuries involving electric scooters in the UK including 12 fatalities. With proper regulation we could avoid a lot of these incidents and help riders and pedestrians feel more confident sharing the streets.

What the UK Can Learn From Other Countries

While the UK drags its feet other countries have made huge strides in regulating electric scooters.

Take Paris for example—they introduced shared scooter rules in 2019 and although they banned rentals recently privately-owned scooters are still allowed if they’re insured.

Oslo cut the number of shared scooters on its streets and introduced nighttime bans to stop drunk riding.

Even Spain is educating younger riders on safe usage.

These examples show that it’s not just about creating rules—it’s about finding what works. The UK has a chance to take the best ideas from these countries and create laws that balance safety, convenience and innovation. But we can’t wait forever!

What Might a UK Electric Scooter Law Look Like?

When we finally get a proper electric scooter law it’ll likely include things like:

• Speed limits (possibly around 12.5 mph to 15mph).

• Mandatory safety gear like helmets and lights.

• Age restrictions (16+ seems likely).

• Clear rules on where scooters can and can’t be ridden (no pavements etc.)

I’d also expect to see tamper-proof systems to stop people hacking scooters to go faster as well as stricter parking rules for rentals to avoid cluttered pavements.

The key is to create fair regulations that let riders use scooters safely with minimal impact to pedestrians and without making things overly complicated.

What Does This Mean for Riders Now?

For the time being nothing changes. Private electric scooters are still illegal on public roads and pavements even if they’re widely used. Rental scooters remain the only legal option for public use but their availability is limited to trial areas and they require a driving licence.

If you’re riding a private scooter remember that enforcement varies. Many police forces are taking a practical approach especially with riders who are geared up and riding sensibly. But there’s always the risk of fines or confiscation so it’s worth staying cautious.

Final Thoughts on Electric Scooter Laws in the UK

As someone who’s been following this issue since 2015 I can’t help but feel frustrated. Electric scooters are practical, eco-friendly and a lot of fun to ride but the UK government’s delay in creating an electric scooter law is holding everyone back.

While some police forces are doing their best to engage positively with riders this shouldn’t be a substitute for proper regulation.

If you’re interested in exploring the current landscape further I’ve written about some of the steps forward (and the criticisms that remain) in the UK’s approach to electric scooters here. And if you’re curious about how I managed to register my PLEV as a mobility scooter you can check that out here.

It’s time for the UK to step up and give riders the clarity and recognition we deserve. Until then we’ll keep riding sensibly, staying safe and hoping the law catches up soon.

Frequently Asked Questions