Why Are Electric Scooters Illegal In The Uk

Commonly asked questions about adult electric scooters.

Why are electric scooters illegal in the uk.

The law is otherwise quite clear. As for why there isn t a law specifically covering electric scooters this is something that has been under discussion for some time and it looks like there may be some. As we discuss below some have concerns about the safety and sustainability of e scooters so it s good to see the government. Electric scooters could soon be legal.

If you own an electric scooter yourself it will be illegal to ride it anywhere except private land with permission from the land owner. Deadly electric scooters are illegal and riders risk 300 fine and six points but manufacturers only tell customers in the small print. Electric scooters are freely available to buy in the uk online and in stores and they cost anywhere from just over 100 to more than 1000. Micro recently a 15 year old boy was given six points on a driving licence he does not yet own after riding an electric.

It looks as though electric scooters could soon be legal to use on britain s roads. The adult electric scooter is powered partly by a battery motor and is therefore classified as personal light electric vehicle plev by the department for transport dft making it illegal to use on uk roads and pavements. Electric scooters are illegal on uk roads due to the 1988 road traffic act while the 1835 highway act has also been interpreted as banning them from being ridden on pavements. According to the times the government is planning to launch a consultation as soon as next month on how to regulate e scooters.

In the uk e scooters fall under the definition of a. The department for transport dft classes electric scooters as personal light electric vehicle plev because they re powered by a motor and says they can only be used on private property. But it would still be illegal to use a privately. Are adult electric scooters legal in the uk.

They must adhere to motor laws including having insurance number plates and an mot. To recap it s illegal to ride electric scooters on public roads because they re covered by the same legislation as motor vehicles but can t meet the same requirements. Why are e scooters illegal. In the uk e scooters fall under the definition of a motor vehicle.