Electric scooters, also referred to as escooters by the majority of people are becoming preferred throughout the whole of the UK. They are fast, eco-friendly and have excellent short journeys. However, there is a big question that often arises, where is it legal in the UK to ride an escooters?
Here is the simplified and clear understanding of how it works.
So What In the World is an Escooter?
An electric scooter is a small two-wheel transport that runs on an engine, which you can ride standing on. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and has lights, throttle and brakes most of the time.
Escooters are super-convenient and manoeuvre easily in the urban areas.
Places Where Escooters Can Not Be Ridden in the UK
So, what cannot be done:
Roads
Escooters used on the public roads cannot belong to ordinary people until they are legal.
Pavements
According to the existing laws, riding on the pavements or footpaths is also prohibited.
Cycle Lanes
Although escooters appear like bikes, they are not permitted to be used with cycle lanes except on government trial schemes.
Cities in the UK, Where You Can Ride Escooters
Now how you can use them:
Private Property
Riding on the private land will be possible provided you use the electric scooter with permission of the landowner. These are the gardens, driveways or the parking areas that are very personal.
State Approved Renting Zones
Various cities have seen the government of the UK introduce rental schemes. Should you be a user of any of these schemes to rent a scooter, you are permitted to ride it on roads and across bike lanes in those cities.
Approved trials are in cities of:
- London
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Bristol
These are heavily controlled tests and you cannot hire and ride without either a provisional or full driving licence.
The Reason Why Private Escooters Are Limited
Are you thinking why you cannot get on your own scooter and go? Mostly, it is so because it is:
Safety Issues: There have been accidents of escooters, which has been a cause of concern.
Unregulated: No insurance, no tax and no number plates.
Pedestrian Dangers: Cycling on pavements exposes pedestrians to danger.
Regulations to Rental Scooter Riders
These are the basic rules in case you are using a rental escooter:
- Keep riding only where it is allowed.
- Avoid getting on pavements.
- Stay at the local speed (it is normally approximately 15,5 mph).
- The use of helmets is encouraged but not applied as law.
The Legal Way of Enjoying Escooters in UK
Find out how to ride legally through well-regulated government-certified rental systems and maintain homogenized zones.
Top Locations where to rent Escooter in the UK
Read to know more about the best cities in the UK to test a legal escooter and why they are a great place to ride.
The difference between the Rental and Private Escooters
Become aware about the major legal and technical differences between privately owned scooters and the rentals.
The Escooters in Transportation in the UK Future
A brief overview of what the future legislations can entail regarding the use of escooters both personally and commercially within the country.
Safe Riding Tips on Escooters
Although you may be given the go ahead to ride, ensure that you prioritise safety. Here’s how:
- Use a headgear.
- Alcohol can turn you into a bad rider.
- Our hands should be able to maintain the grip on handles.
- Ensure tyres and brakes are checked when riding.
- Never take a load.
Is there a future change of UK laws?
The UK government is keen on reviewing the escooter regulations. It is likely that in the near future we will see a situation when private escooters are accepted to be used by different people as long as all the precautionary measures are met.
Conclusion
So where can you use an electric scooter in the UK? The easy way: only on personal territory or in renting test cities. Although the usage of the private escooters on the roads is not legitimate yet, the situation might soon alter.
In the meantime, when you consider riding the escooter wave, understand the rules, be safe and ride responsibly.
FAQs
- Is it possible to use my own escooter on the streets of the UK?
No, unless, unless you happen to be a tenant in a government-endorsed rent system.
- Should I have a licence to ride an electric scooter?
Yes, you must have a provisional driving licence at the minimum to ride rental scooters.
- Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?
Wet conditions should be avoided since the surfaces become slippery and vision reduces.
- and what should I do when I ride my personal escooter on the road?
You may have to pay fines, lose points on licence and face a risk of losing your scooter.
- Are electric scooters legal in the UK now?
Only rental scooters in trial areas are legal for public use. Private escooters are restricted to private land.
