E-SCOOTERS have surged in popularity, especially with the rise of rental schemes across the UK.
However, while they’re becoming a common sight in cities, there’s still confusion about where and when they can be legally used.
Are electric scooters illegal?
Whilst it is legal to buy and sell e-scooters, there are limitations on where they can be used.
In 2020, The Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020 came into force to enable the rental e-scooter trials to take place.
The rules to date state that you can only use one on a public road and on a cycle lane, if you rent one from a government-approved scheme.
However, you can’t use them on a footpath or pavement.
A survey by Electroheads found most people want some sort of punishment for anti-social electric scooter riding – but points on their licence was the least popular option.
26.5 per cent of the 1,508 people surveyed wanted anti-social electric scooter riding to result in an on-the-spot fine.
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If an e-scooter is privately owned the rules differ and currently state that you can only ride it on private land.
If you ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads or land, then you will be breaking the law.
There are a number of companies who are allowed to rent out scooters in places across the country where current trials are taking place.
Approved companies include Lime, Neuron, Dott, TIER and Voi – but it’s best to check on your local council’s website who the approved company in your area is for more information.
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To ride on one, you must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence.
This means that you are qualified to drive two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles without pedals no faster than 15.5mph.
You also must be at least 16 years old.
However, the rules on private e-scooters are expected to change in 2023.
On 22 June 2022, it was announced that the government was continuing to look at the issue of regulation and would be publishing its evaluation of the e-scooter trials in due course.
New changes in the law should see e-scooters go from private land to public roads.
Can I get a fine if I break the rules?
You can be fined if you break these e-scooter rules.
The Metropolitan Police says that you can be fined a maximum of £300 and up to six points on your licence for having no insurance.
You could get a £100 fine for failing to provide a driving licence, riding through a red light or using your mobile phone while riding.
While you could be slapped with a £50 fine for driving on the pavement or footpath.
Are they safe to use?
Concerns have been raised about how safe e-scooters actually are.
They were branded “death traps” by a Met Police chief after it was revealed crashes had soared by 700% since 2018.
The first recorded death of a person to die in an e-scooter crash was TV presenter and YouTube star Emily Hartridge in 2019.
But the survey by Electroheads found nearly half (45.7 per cent) of those aged under 44 think there should be no safety rules for electric scooter use.
The safety rules survey had 1,629 responses.
In 2021, Greater Manchester Police issued a warning to riders following a surge in “dangerous and illegal” use of motorised scooters.
Chief Inspector Danny Byrne from the Safer Transport Team at GMP said: “Everyone should be aware of the rules, and know where e-scooters can be ridden, or you may find yourself, or your children committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, or if ridden on a pavement, the Highway Act 1835.
“More importantly I would like anyone to think twice before consider buying an e-scooter for a loved one.
“What can be seen as a great Christmas present, could present serious risks to the riders, and those around them.
“There is a huge risk of being involved in a serious accident, which could potentially have devastating consequences, in the first ten months of 2021, nationally there have been nine deaths and other casualties involving e-scooters.”
What safety rules should I follow?
While it’s not illegal to not wear a helmet or safety gear, it’s recommended so you can better protect yourself if you’re involved in an accident.
