I would like to take this opportunity to remind local residents that it is currently illegal in the UK to use a privately owned electric scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes. Electric scooters can only be legally used on private land with the permission of the landowner. 

In UK law, an electric scooter is classified as a “powered transporter”, alongside products such as hoverboards, “go-peds” and powered unicycles.

What are the potential consequences of using an e-scooter on the road or pavement?

Riders risk a £300 fine and six points on their driving licence if they choose to ride an electric scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lane. Other penalties and offences include:

Remember: any person who uses an privately owned e-scooter on a public road is committing a criminal offence and can therefore be prosecuted. The use of an electric scooter in an anti-social manner in public could lead to the vehicle being seized under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

What are the current vehicle requirements for an electric scooter?

In order to be road legal, an electric scooter would need to meet all of the standards required of motor vehicles by the Road Traffic Act 1988. 

These are the same, stringent standards which cars are required to meet. This means that, amongst other requirements, an electric scooter must: