E-Scooters: The legality around using them and where you can and can't ride one.

Riding an E-Scooter on the street is illegal

Now Electric Scooter are not entirely new. For many years they have existed and been used for recreational purposes and daily commutes. Even for children then a small electric scooters with a low top speed purely designed for fun. However, recently we have seen rise to the number of high powered electric scooters on our streets, including on the road and on the footpath. With prices ranging from several hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds, and with a top speed of 30 mph for some models, it is safe to say that these are not toys.

And with one recent tragic fatality where a young girl collided with a vehicle on the road and many seriously injured, people have started to take note on the dangers of these on the roads.

More importantly, a recent undercover investigation by LBC (Leading Britain's Conversation) uncovered that "most shops selling E-Scooters don't know they're illegal to ride." Pendle Lease urge everyone who is considering purchasing an E-Scooter to read LBC's article. Many high-end retailers, including John Lewis and Hamley's, gave incorrect information regarding the law on riding.

Incorrect advice given to undercover LBC investigator. Picture: LBC

So, what does The Law say on E-Scooters?

Simple: you can only ride an E-Scooter on private land with the owner's permission. No where else. Not on the pavement; not in the road with a crash helmet on. These are not road legal vehicles. Remember, these are classed as a Personal Light Electric Vehicle, not a toy!

Police Officer in London Stops E-Scooter Rider

What are the consequences of riding an E-Scooter illegally?

We have already mentioned that people have died riding these on the roads, or be critically injured. A person is never going to win against a bike, car, lorry on bus when they are on an E-Scooter. But what does the full force of the law feel like for when you ride illegally?

Believe it not, riding an E-Scooter illegally can result in points on your Driver's Licence... 6 points in fact!! Bare in mind, if you are a young person who has just passed your test, acquiring 6 points in your first 2 years will result in you losing you licence. Plus expect some very hefty insurance premiums in the future. On top of all of this, you can also expect a £300 fine.

The police also have the power to seize your E-Scooter for no insurance.

A tweet from the Met Police Cycle Safety Team

Pendle Lease urge everyone to be safe on the roads. Do not illegally ride your E-Scooter on UK roads and walkways. Help keep yourself safe and others around you.