FAQs
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an e-scooter?
The wearing of a cycle helmet whilst using an electric scooter is recommended but currenlty not a requirement by law. The helmet should meet all current cycle helmet regulations and be of the correct size and fitted securely.
How do you class an e-scooter?
As e-scooters are powered by a motor, they fall into a category called ‘powered transporters’ which is a blanket term for a range of new and upcoming motorised devices for personal transportation. Powered transporters also includes quads, go-peds, mini-motos, hoverboards and segways.
Electric bikes or e-bikes fall under different regulations for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs).
Electric scooters fall into the legal definition of a motor vehicle and as such the laws that govern motor vehicles and their use also apply to e-scooters.
Do I need insurance to ride an e-scooter?
E-scooters are required to have valid motor insurance. If you are renting an e-scooter from a firm that is involved in e-scooter rental trials, then they will provide insurance cover as part of the rental scheme.
Do I need a licence to ride an e-scooter?
There are some specific driving licence requirements for using an e-scooter:
UK Licences must have category Q entitlement. This category is included in A, B & AM categories. A full or provisional licence is required. If on a provisional licence you don’t need to display learner plates whilst using an e-scooter.
Can I ride an e-scooter on a pavement or footpath?
It's an offence to use an e-scooter on the pavement. Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 states that it is an offence to ride on, or to lead or draw a carriage on a pavement. This rule applies to almost all vehicles, with a legal exceptions for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
It is also illegal to use a powered transporter such as a segway, hoverboard, U-wheel, powered mini scooter (go-ped) or powered unicycle on a footpath. Mechanically-propelled vehicles are forbidden from using footpaths by section 34 Road Traffic Act 1988.