Riding an electric scooter: the rules

It is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter (also known as an ‘e-scooter’) in public, for example on pavements, on roads or in parks.

You could be fined and get penalty points on your driving licence. The scooter could also be seized by the police.

You can only ride a privately owned electric scooter on private land with the permission of the landowner.

There are different rules for using mobility scooters.

Renting an electric scooter

You can only rent an electric scooter through official electric scooter rental schemes in certain areas of the country. These rental schemes are also known as ‘e-scooter trials’ and have their own rules.

You can ride a rented electric scooter on public roads, including cycle lanes.

It is illegal to ride a rented electric scooter on a pavement or a motorway.

You must have a full or provisional UK licence.

You might be able to use a full driving licence from another country. Check the rules for using your licence in the UK.

If you have a provisional driving licence, you do not need to show L plates when you ride an electric scooter.

The rental scheme operator will provide third-party motor insurance.