Electric Unicycles Legal in the UK?: What You Need to Know

In recent years, electric unicycles have taken the UK by storm. These one-wheeled, self-balancing marvels are quickly becoming a popular mode of transportation, especially for urban dwellers. However, as the popularity of these devices soars, so too do questions surrounding the legalities of riding and owning them.

Introduction to Electric Unicycles

Electric unicycles are battery-powered, single-wheeled devices that riders stand on and control using body movements. They can reach impressive speeds and offer a fun, eco-friendly way to travel short distances. Despite their rising popularity, they still inhabit a grey area in terms of UK transportation laws. Understanding the legal landscape is essential.

Current Electric Unicycle UK Law

Privately owned electric unicycles (including Electric Scooters and Electric Skateboards) in the UK is governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 34 and the Highway Act 1835, section 72.

Electric unicycles are legal to ride in the UK on private land with the land owners permission only. Privately owned electric unicycles are not explicitly permitted on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.

Electric unicycles also fall outside the scope of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. This is because they lack pedals and don't meet the necessary specifications.

In essence, electric unicycles occupy a legal grey area in the UK, with riders potentially facing fines, confiscation or penalties for using them in public spaces.

I’ll come back to this “Grey Area” further in this post.

Electric Unicycle Law Classification: EAPC Rules

To better understand the legal status of electric unicycles, it's helpful to examine EAPC regulations. These rules apply to electric bikes, which have a certain degree of legal recognition in the UK. EAPCs must meet the following criteria:

Be fitted with pedals capable of propelling the bike

Although it can be argued that pedals on electric unicycles do propel the device through leaning forwards, UK law enforcement also argue it’s the motor propelling the device, not the pedals.

Have a maximum power output of 250 watts

Unlike electric scooters, electric unicycles require additional power to keep the device upright (self balancing). This additional power requires more batteries making the device heavier. Coupled with the requirements to take a rider safely up inclines and provide reasonable range, electric unicycles are typically between 700 watts and 3500 watts.

Not exceed a speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) on electric power alone

It is possible to restrict an electric unicycle to 15.5mph via an accompanying app. However it could be argued that riding any device at this speed amongst 30mph plus traffic could pose a danger in itself. Having headroom for additional speed could help get a rider out of potentially dangerous situations.

Unless EPAC rules are changed, electric unicycles don't currently qualify as EAPCs and thus do not enjoy the same legal status.

Electric Unicycle UK Law Grey Area

As time draws on, more and more people are starting to accept Private Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) as a practical alternative mode of transport. Indeed such devices have been legal in many other countries for some time now.

Although it is currently illegal to ride privately owned electric scooters and electric unicycles on public roads, pavements and cycle paths, some electric unicycle and electric scooter riders appear to be having more positive interactions with their local Police force.

I wrote a post about how I was able to register my own electric unicycles with the DVLA, resulting in a valid V55 registration document and “Q” registration numbers.

Age and License Requirements for Riders

While EAPC rules don't apply to electric unicycles, UK government are considering including a minimum age and licence requirements for riders of electric scooters. Whether or not initial PLEV legislation will also include electric unicycles, remains to be seen.

Insurance and Vehicle Tax Obligations

Electric unicycles are currently legal in the UK, but only if ridden on private land with the landowners permission. As a result more insurance companies are starting to offer policies that cover PLEVs, when ridden legally. Such insurance might cover personal injury, theft, third-party liability and possibly damage to your electric unicycle.

It is also possible to include electric unicycles on house contents insurance policies as “Special Equipment”. Although electric unicycles aren't classified as motor vehicles, it's still wise to consider insurance. Comparing offers from different insurers will help you find the right policy for your needs and budget.

In terms of tax, given that electric unicycles can only be legally ridden on private land with the landowners permission, vehicle tax does not currently apply.

Safety Equipment

Safety should always be a top priority for electric unicycle riders. While the UK does not legally mandate any safety equipment for electric unicycle users, it's highly recommended to wear safety equipment for your own protection.

You never know what is going to unexpectedly leap out in front of you or if your electric unicycle experiences an electric issue, causing you to rapidly dismount.

The following safety equipment is essential for a secure ride:

Helmet

Benefits of wearing a helmet can be obvious, however a full face helmet or helmet with a safety tested chin guard can be essential when riding electric unicycles.

Wrist Guards

In the event of a fall one of the first things you are likely to do is stretch out your arms. Wrist guards will help protect wrists particularly from higher speed falls.

Elbow and Knee Pads

Guarding these joints can prevent scrapes, bruises, and more severe injuries that could result in potentially long and expensive recovery times. Padded motorcycle jackets are also popular.

High-Visibility Clothing

Making yourself visible to others is crucial, especially when riding in low-light conditions.

Reducing Risk of Negative Interactions

Experiences shared on social media is showing that wearing of safety equipment and good rider etiquette not only gets mainly positive responses from the public, but can also help with interactions with the Police.

Here are a few tips which may be particularly useful for newer riders:

Yield to Pedestrians

Always give right of way to those on foot and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Respect Other Users

Share the space with cyclists and motorists (if on a rental electric scooter), maintaining a safe distance and communicating your intentions clearly.

Stay in Control

Ride at a speed that allows you to safely react to any unexpected obstacles or changes in your path.

Follow Local Regulations

Be aware of any local bylaws or restrictions regarding electric unicycles and adhere to them.

Practicing a good riding etiquette, can help keep you safer, promote a positive image for electric unicycles and contribute to their acceptance in the wider community.

Future Law Changes for Electric Unicycles

New legislation for electric scooters is currently under review / drafting by the UK government. At time of writing, it is not yet clear whether or not other PLEVs such as electric unicycles will be included in the first round of legislation.

Current timescales as indicated by the Secretary of State for Transport is 31st May 2024, when the current electric scooter trials come to a close.

Fingers crossed for 2024!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need insurance for my electric unicycle?

  Although insurance isn't legally required for electric unicycles in the UK, obtaining coverage for personal injury, theft, and third-party liability is highly recommended.

• What date will electric unicycles be legal in the UK?

  Electric unicycles are currently legal to ride on private land, with the landowners permission. The Secretary of Department for Transport advised that electric scooter legislation should be in place by 31st May 2024. It is not yet clear if electric unicycles will be included.

• Are helmets required for electric unicycle riders in the UK?

  Helmets and safety gear are not legally mandated for electric unicycle riders in the UK, but wearing a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and high-visibility clothing is strongly advised for your safety and the safety of others.

• What penalties might I face for riding an EUC in public areas in the UK?

  It is currently illegal to ride your electric unicycle on roads, cycle paths or pavements. If caught, you could face a fine, penalty points or even confiscation of your device.

How to Make an Electric Unicycle Safety Tether.

Imagine you are riding your electric unicycle without a care in the world and you suddenly find yourself sliding on the ground, watching your 65lb (30kg) single wheeled device barrelling ahead of you at some 30 miles an hour, towards other vehicles or worse still, innocent pedestrians. The legal consequences could be substantial!

What is an electric unicycle safety tether?

An electric unicycle (EUC) safety tether is a stretchable tether designed to help arrest a rolling / barrelling EUC, in the event of an accident or unexpected dismount. The safety tether connects the rider to their device, with automatic breaking points and a manual emergency release.

In the event of an accident or technical issue, a properly constructed safety tether, can quickly arrest your device, reducing risk of damage to property or serious injury to people. A safety tether will also help minimise damage to your device!

Will my insurance cover any accidents?

Due to self balancing unicycles being a relatively recent form of transportation and given that several countries are still finalising legislation around PLEVs, there are currently limited insurance options available.

PLEV insurance policies that do exist for electric unicycles, will only provide cover where it can be proved that the device was ridden legally within local laws. Such policies may or may not include personal liability cover.

Risks of riding an EUC without a safety tether

In the event that your self balancing electric unicycle causes damage to property or people, you as the rider could be liable for any property repairs, medical treatments and / or legal bills.

How does a safety tether work?

In the event you come off your device, a stretchable safety tether will apply more arresting force to the EUC as the tether stretches, initially causing the device to fall on its side ceasing a barrelling / rolling motion, before bringing the electric unicycle to a stop.

Can I use a safety tether on other personal electric vehicles?

Safety tethers can be effective on other forms of personal electric transport such as electric scooters, electric skateboards and one wheeled devices. Care should be taken to ensure the tether is of adequate length, to ensure it does not interfere with either the device or riders legs while riding.

Will a safety tether cause harm to the rider?

A properly constructed stretchable safety tether is unlikely to cause harm to the rider. Any harm caused, will likely be minimal and would surely be preferred to being responsible for damage to property or people.

To further reduce the risk of harm, it is recommended to have multiple breaking points designed into your safety tether.

• Automatic Release - If the rider becomes unconscious.

• Manual Release - To prevent the rider from being dragged.

Depending on how you design / build your own safety tether, your safety gear should help protect against risk of recoil.

How is a safety tether attached?

It is good practice to connect a safety tether is around the riders hips (I connect my tether to a strong belt), with the other end usually through the handle of the electric unicycle. Do not attach the tether around your waist, arms or legs or any potential weak points on your device.

How long should the safety tether be?

Tether length can vary according to rider height, wheel height, wheel weight and riding speed. The longer a safety tether is, the more it will stretch resulting in lower pulling forces on the rider.

A stretchable tether should be long enough (fully retracted) to not interfere with your legs or the device itself, while riding.

A good starting point is to stand on your device while supporting yourself and measure from your hip to where the handle of your device meets your leg / calf.

Can I buy an EUC safety tether?

Currently such tethers are not available on the market. However you can make your own safety tether from either a coiled surfboard leash or coiled kayak leash, with minimal effort and cost.

Can I use a non stretch safety tether?

A non stretch EUC safety tether could cause excessive force on your body, likely causing injury and the tether itself to prematurely break or release.

Example EUC safety tether

The below is my electric unicycle tether which took 15 minutes to make. I have been riding with this tether attached to my 30kg Gotway Nikola Plus the past few years.

It measures 60cm / 23.5” (un-stretched) so does not get in the way while riding and stretches up to 183cm / 72” (6’).

View fullsize

The tether has two key release mechanisms:

Manual release - In case the wheel falls down a steep slope, into water or gets caught under a moving vehicle.

Auto Release - Should I lose consciousness, comprises of two break points (2.5mm cable tie and velcro strap) are designed to give way, prior to pulling my body weight.

As a conservative rider (typically 20-25mph) this tether has proved to be very effective!

How do I make my own safety tether?

Your safety tether can be designed / built in many different ways according to your own height / weight, electric unicycle height / weight and riding speed. It is important to ensure that your design / build, works for you.

1. Purchase either a coiled surfboard leash or coiled kayak leash (the velcro ankle attachment can be used to attached to your belt).

2. Measure the distance from your hip to the handle of your electric unicycle, while standing on the device.

3. Cut the leash from the kayak / surfboard end of the tether (you may want to add additional slack if you’re a fast rider) to an appropriate (safe) length.

4. At the kayak / surfboard end, I used a 2.5mm cable tie to create a loop in the coil for the velcro stretchable strap.

5. For the manual pull away release, use brightly coloured cord as a pull loop, so it’s easily visible.

6. Testing the effectiveness of the auto release parts of your safety tether, will vary according to your own design. I connected connected one end of my tether to a tree, then holding the tether firmly near each auto release part I pulled hard until the tether released. For test safety, ensure you are geared up and looking away, you may also choose to have someone to assist you.

Whether you ride on public roads, cycle lanes or off road on rough terrain, a safety tether could help minimise damage to your device while helping to protect property and innocent bystanders.

Let me know in the comments below what do you think of electric unicycle safety tethers or what you use.

Ride Safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the common causes of a crash?

  Common causes of electric unicycle crashes can be:

  Device failure
  Wheel wobble
  Unexpected terrain changes
  Vehicles pulling out in front of you.
  People or pets running out in front of you.
  

• What should I do in the event of a crash?

  Crashes involving injury to others or damage to property, are thankfully rare.

  However in the event the above does occur, contact relevant authorities (Ambulance, Police etc.) if required in the first instance, exchange contact information (inc. any witnesses) and contact your insurance company.

  Pictures taken at the scene (if you are able to) may also assist regarding insurance claims or should there be any future legal action.

• How do I know if I have adequate insurance?

  Review your policy cover and contact your insurance company with any questions. Your insurance policy will only cover you if you are able to prove you were riding your electric unicycle legally. That’s where witnesses can come in handy.

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