You might be wondering, are e-scooters legal in the UK because you've seen so many on the roads. This is because the one exception to the current electric scooter laws is the government-backed rental trial scheme being carried out in 31 cities around the UK (England only – there are no trials running in Scotland or Wales).
Since 2020, the DfT has been working with rental providers to test the viability of e-scooters as a safe, effective, and sustainable mode of transport. Only scooters that are part of the trials are legally allowed on public roads (not dual carriageways or motorways), and there are still rules and restrictions in place:
A motor vehicle insurance policy is required, but the rental operators are responsible for covering the insurance.
E-scooter users need to have a valid driving licence with a category Q entitlement (found on licences for categories AM, A, or B).
Rental scooters are limited to a maximum of 15.5mph, with lower limits applied in some areas (their speed is automatically restricted).
The scooters are geofenced to stop them leaving certain areas.
You aren’t allowed to carry a passenger on an e-scooter.
It isn’t compulsory (i.e., legally required) to wear a helmet, but it is strongly recommended and encouraged.
Currently, privately owned e-scooters are not covered by the trials and public use is not allowed, pending future electric scooter legislation changes.
