E-Scooters
What is an E-Scooter?
Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters”; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (external website). Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
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Anyone using a rental e-scooter on a public road or other public space, has to comply with the relevant road traffic legislation or they face potential prosecution.
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To rent an e-scooter you must be at least 16 years old, hold the correct driving licence (Category Q or P/M) & create an account with the rental company.
E-Scooter Trials - Transport for Greater Manchester (external website)
For more information on how to hire an E Scooter visit Lime (external website)
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you're using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Find out more
Advice on E-scooter usage visit www.police.uk
National Fire Chief Council on E-bikes & E-scooters Fire Safety Guidance (external website)
Government Safety Messages on E-Bikes & E-Scooters visit www.gov.uk