|
I own an E-scooter, where can I ride it?
A privately owned e-scooter can only be used in a private place with the land owner’s permission. They remain illegal to use on a road or in a public place.
What will happen if I ride my own E-scooter on a road or public place?
If you are stopped riding it on the road or public place, it can be seized and you could face prosecution, which may result in penalty points on your driving licence and a fine.
If E-scooters are illegal why can I hire one?
The government and some local authorities have embarked on trials of E-scooters. The E-scooters provided through these trials are legal to use on a road or public place as long as you abide by the conditions of hire and the law.
How old do I need to be to hire one?
18 years old
Do I need a driving licence to hire one?
Yes, you need a valid driving licence with a category Q entitlement. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter. If you have a provisional licence you do not need to display L plates. I have an overseas licence, can I still hire one?
If you have an overseas driving licence, you can use an e-scooter if you have:
1. A valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (as long as this does not prohibit you from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles) or
2. A valid full licence from another country that entitles you to drive a small vehicle (for example, cars, mopeds or motorcycles) and you entered the UK within the last 12 months.
Do I need insurance?
E-scooters must have motor insurance, but you do not need to arrange this as this will be provided by your e-scooter rental operator.
What should I wear?
It is recommended that you wear a cycle helmet, however it is not a legal requirement. If you do wear a helmet make sure it conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and is securely fastened. It is also recommended that you wear light coloured or fluorescent clothing so that other road users can see you.
Where can I use a trial E-scooter?
E-scooters can be used on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes. You must not use them in areas designated for pedestrians – including pavements.
Traffic signs with the cycle symbol apply to e-scooters (unless a sign is displayed prohibiting e-scooters from that particular cycle way.
What else do I need to know? • E-scooters should only be used within the local area hosting the trial
• Only ever ride one person per scooter
• You must not tow anything using an e-scooter
• You must not use a mobile phone when using an e-scooter
• You may use a screen to display navigation information, but this must be set up prior to setting off
• Always ensure bags or other small items you are carrying will not cause a danger to you or others around you – for example, never hang them from the handlebars
• Never ride an e-scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated – you may be prosecuted under drink or drug driving laws as careless and dangerous driving offences also apply to users of e-scooters
• Follow local traffic rules and adapt your speed to your surroundings
• Always ride and park in designated areas identified by the operator’s app.
• You should also refer to the terms of use of the e-scooter operator before renting a trial e-scooter. Where can I get more information? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-user | 
