Guidance on Using E-Scooters: Tips for Trials Users
In a series of trials across the UK, the use of rented electric scooters (e-scooters) is now permitted in selected areas and boroughs, such as London and other participating cities. Here are the key rules and regulations for using these e-scooters safely and legally within trial zones.
To be eligible to rent and ride a trial e-scooter, individuals must have a full or provisional UK driving licence. Full driving licences from some other countries may also be accepted, but users should check specific rules.
When it comes to where e-scooters can be ridden, they are permitted on public roads, including cycle lanes, within the trial areas. However, it is illegal to ride them on pavements or motorways.
The maximum speed for rental e-scooters is 15.5 mph, though some trial areas may impose lower limits. For example, London's trial limits speed to 12.5 mph and uses technology to enforce this.
For safety and conduct, riding e-scooters under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited and subject to prosecution under drink or drug driving laws. Users must ride e-scooters alone; carrying passengers is not allowed. Towing any objects with an e-scooter is also prohibited.
The use of mobile phones while riding is banned, except for navigation screens set up before riding. Wearing a cycle helmet is recommended but not legally required; helmets must fit properly and be securely fastened. Wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing is advised for visibility.
Users should ensure bags or carried items do not pose a danger, for example by hanging them on the handlebars. Riders should also be familiar with and follow the specific terms of use set by the e-scooter operator.
These rules apply specifically to rented e-scooters under official trial schemes, which are running in selected areas and boroughs in the UK, such as London and other cities participating in extended trials through 2026.
In summary, trial area e-scooters are regulated with strict usage rules concerning who can ride them, where they can be ridden, speed limits, and safety requirements to enable legal and safe adoption within these trial zones. Always ensure bags or small items carried do not pose a danger to you or others. Remember, it is illegal to use an e-scooter on the pavement, and the rules in this guidance apply to rental e-scooters used in trials only.
For those with overseas driving licences, you can use an e-scooter if you have a valid full licence from an EU or EEA country or 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.
The government is running trials for electric scooters (e-scooters) in various locations, including Bournemouth and Poole, Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, Essex, Gloucestershire, Liverpool, London, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, North and West Northamptonshire, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Salford, Solent, West Midlands, and West of England Combined Authority.
Helmets are recommended but not a legal requirement when using an e-scooter. E-scooters must only be used by one person at a time, and towing is prohibited. It is illegal to ride an e-scooter while drunk or intoxicated, and careless and dangerous driving offenses apply. If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates. You can drive a category Q vehicle if your driving licence permits you to drive vehicles in category AM, A or B.
In the context of the UK e-scooter trials, an individual's lifestyle can be influenced by the adoption of technology, such as the use of rented e-scooters for commuting. To ensure a safe and legal ride, one must abide by the speed limit of 15.5 mph (or lower in trial areas like London), avoid riding on pavements or motorways, and use technology to navigate, like navigation screens, but not use mobile phones excessively.
