When Will E Scooters Be Legal In UK in 2024?
E-scooters, the buzzing talk of the town, are yet to navigate the UK's legal corridors.
It's frustrating, isn't it?
You've seen them zipping around in other countries, and maybe you've even considered buying one.
Now, your shiny e-scooter is gathering dust because you can't ride it on public roads.
Well, here's something interesting. The government has initiated e-scooter trials in several locations. And, whispers of new legislation making e-scooters street-legal have been getting louder.
Let's delve deeper into this evolving landscape and explore when you might be able to cruise around on your e-scooter legally.
So, When Will E Scooters Be Legal In the UK?
E-scooters, or electric scooters, are yet to gain legal status for use on public roads in the UK as of May 2023. This includes public pavements, cycle lanes, and other public spaces. The anticipated legalisation, initially expected by the end of 2023 or early 2024, has been postponed, according to the Secretary of State for Transport's announcement in December 2022. However, the government supports trials allowing rental e-scooters on public roads, offering a glimpse of the potential future for personal e-scooter use in the UK.
The Current State of E-Scooters in the UK
Regulations Concerning E-Scooters
As it stands, using electric scooters on public roads remains illegal under United Kingdom law.
These regulations apply to private roads as well, effectively making it unlawful to use private electric scooters on any public highways or streets. But that's not the full picture.
Ongoing Trials for Rental Scooters
The UK government, acknowledging the global shift towards emobility, initiated trials in 31 designated trial areas or experimental locations across the country.
Here, individuals can legally ride rented e-scooters provided by certain rental companies, navigating public roads and cycle lanes (barring motorways).
These trials were due to conclude in November 2022, but saw an extension until May 2024.
Electric Scooter Trial Areas in 2023 and 2024
| Electric Scooter Trial Areas |
|---|
| Bournemouth and Poole |
| Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough) |
| Cambridge |
| Liverpool |
| Milton Keynes |
| Norwich |
| Portsmouth |
| Slough |
| South Somerset (Yeovil) |
| Sunderland |
| West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry and Sandwell) - paused as of 1 March |
| Cheshire West and Chester |
| Copeland (Whitehaven) |
| Derby |
| Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester) |
| Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester) |
| Great Yarmouth |
| London (participating boroughs) |
| Newcastle |
| North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough) |
| North Devon (Barnstaple) |
| North Lincolnshire (Scunthorpe) |
| Nottingham |
| Oxfordshire (Oxford) |
| Redditch |
| Salford |
| Solent (Isle of Wight and Southampton) |
| Somerset West (Taunton and Minehead) |
| Tees Valley (Hartlepool and Middlesbrough) |
| West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath) |
| York |
| Some areas have stopped their trials in late 2022 including Kent (Canterbury), Sandwell and Slough (which may restart in summer 2023) |
Penalties for Unlawful Use
Despite their growing popularity, unauthorized use of e-scooters on public roads, whether it be electric bikes, scooters or cycles, can result in penalties.
The UK law has strict provisions to curb such practices to ensure safety. The penalties vary, but they can include fines, penalty points on the rider's driving license, and in some cases, the e-scooter can be confiscated.
Future of E-Scooters: Legalisation on the Horizon
The Push for Legislation
A look ahead reveals the possibility of legal e-scooters, as the UK government is drafting legislation aimed at legalising them for personal use. Initially predicted to be in place by the end of 2023 or early 2024, this proposed legal change applies primarily to England.
However, the onus will be on the devolved assemblies of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to introduce similar laws in their respective regions.
The Role of Rental Companies
Scooter rental services or providers play a significant role in shaping the future of e-scooters in the UK.
Their input, based on data from the ongoing trials, is valuable in forming regulations that balance public safety with the benefits of electric transportation.
Emobility: Changing Urban Transportation
E-mobility, encompassing e-scooters, electric bikes and other forms of electric transportation, is steadily transforming the landscape of urban transportation.
The progress in this sector can't be overstated. It's crucial for the UK to align its legal regulations with these advancements.
Types of E-Scooters
When e-scooters become lawful for private use, it's essential to make the right choice. Several types are available for hire or purchase, including folding e-scooters, off-road e-scooters, and even e-scooters designed specifically for commuting.
Each type has its unique features, with some being more portable, while others are more robust for rugged terrains. Your decision should align with your needs and the local regulations.
Related: Electric Scooter Buyer's Guide - UK Buying Guide - What YOU Need To Know
How Will This Impact the Public?
The legalisation of e-scooters will have a considerable impact on public road usage. The lawful use of these devices could alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and provide an affordable, convenient transport option.
But it's not without challenges, such as ensuring rider and pedestrian safety and determining laws for e-scooter usage.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead for E-Scooters
It's a waiting game right now for e-scooter enthusiasts in the UK. As of May 2023, riding your personal e-scooter on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or any public space is still off-limits.
The much-anticipated legalisation, which we hoped would arrive by the end of 2023 or early 2024, has been delayed as announced by the Secretary of State for Transport in December 2022.
But hold on; it's not all doom and gloom. Trials have been initiated by the government to test the waters for rental e-scooters on public roads.
This promising step forward could well pave the way for the legalisation of personal e-scooters in the near future.
As we wait for this change to rev up, keep an eye out for updates on the UK's e-scooter legislation.
The day when you can freely ride your e-scooter may arrive sooner than you think!
FAQs
What type of licence do you need to ride an e-scooter in the UK?
To ride an e-scooter in the UK, your driving licence must have the category Q entitlement. You'll find this entitlement included in full or provisional UK licences for categories AM, A or B. If your licence includes one of these categories, you are allowed to use an e-scooter.
What are the age requirements to ride an e-scooter in the UK?
Currently, e-scooters can only be legally ridden on public roads in the UK if you possess a moped driving licence and are at least 16 years old. The use of e-scooters by those under this age is permitted only on private property.
How fast can an e-scooter legally travel in the UK?
In the UK, the legal maximum speed for an e-scooter is currently set to 15.5mph. This speed limit is applicable during the ongoing rental e-scooter trials, which require participants to hold a driving licence and insurance. Geofencing technology ensures these e-scooters are ridden only within a specified area.
Will insurance be necessary for e-scooter riders in the UK?
Currently, insurance isn't a legal requirement for e-scooters in the UK because they're classified as personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs). However, it's strongly recommended to have insurance for your e-scooter. If you're participating in rental e-scooter trials, the rental operator will typically provide the necessary insurance coverage.
Get in Touch
So, there you have it folks - the e-scooter lowdown in a nutshell! If this cheeky little insight has sparked your curiosity or you're just itching to chat about anything and everything to do with e-scooters or kids' ride-on toys, we're just a click away.
Slide on over to our RiiRoo collection - it's chock-full of cool stuff that'll get those wheels turning. And hey, if you'd rather chinwag with a real human (we promise we're quite lovely!), our Live Chat is raring to go!
Remember, at RiiRoo, we're always here to help you navigate the electrifying world of e-scooters and ride-on toys.
Happy scooting! 🛴💨