Electric Scooter Law
E-scooters are not illegal in the UK and you can buy, sell and own one perfectly legally.
However, it is illegal to use an e-scooter in public unless it is rented as part of a recognised trial scheme.
Using an e-scooter on private land is legal but for public use they are classed as powered transporters, which means e-scooters are covered by the same laws that govern the use of cars and other motor vehicles.
That means it is illegal to ride them on pavements, footpaths, cycle lanes and in pedestrianised zones.
To be ridden on public roads they need to conform to the same rules as cars, with licence plates, indicators, rear lights, tax and insurance but those currently on sale don’t comply with these conditions.
The only exception to these laws is the government-approved trials being carried out in 32 cities around the UK (link below).
E-scooters hired through these schemes can be ridden on roads and cycle paths and are insured by the operators. The scooters are limited to 15.5mph, with lower limits imposed in some areas via geofencing. Privately-owned e-scooters aren’t covered by the trials and are still illegal to use in public.
Do I need a driving licence to ride an e-scooter?
Yes. The trial schemes all require riders to hold a UK driving licence with a Q entitlement.
A full or provisional licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter.
Riders with overseas licences can also use the trial scooters as long as they have a full licence that entitles them to drive a small vehicle, such as a car or motorbike.
What are the fines and penalties for using an e-scooter illegally?
Riders caught using an e-scooter illegally face the same punishments as other drivers breaking the law.
These include fines of up to £300 and up to six penalty points on your driving licence. Serious offences could lead to a driving disqualification and police can also impound your scooter.
Government Trials Info: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users
Hoverboard Law
There is a popular question going on about hoverboard and there haven’t been concrete answers to the question. However, we will be answering that question right here! Many people are eager to buy hoverboards but are more concerned about where they can ride them. So the question is, where can you ride a hoverboard?
If you are reading this article, it is more likely you want to know where you can ride a hoverboard in the UK and the legalities surrounding its use. The news is flying around that it is illegal to ride hoverboard in the UK. The answer is simply yes, private hoverboards are not allowed on government roads, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your ride. It can be used on private property or surroundings.
Don’t let the Law of the government affect the way you choose to enjoy your life. You can still enjoy your ride when you take your hoverboards out. Many people still ride hoverboard outdoors. Everything still comes down to where you can ride your hoverboard in the UK
The UK law does not permit any citizen to ride their hoverboard in the following places:
- Public roads
- Public foot pathway
UK law does not hold restriction in the following area:
- Private Gardens
- Hoverboard parks
- Private parks
- In your house
Until then, let keep to the rule of the land, refrain from riding on the main roads for your safety. There are other places to enjoy your ride without facing the wrath of the law. However, we do hear the law is flexible for special type electric scooters and hoverboards. What about them?
The law allows only rented electric scooters on the road covered by a company that insured them and probably taxable.
It is no news that self-balancing scooters are not allowed on government roads, but there is an urgent need to review it; will I be arrested while the law is still amended? We advise not to try it. as of now, we still believe the law holds, and you could be penalised if used on prohibited areas.
In the near future, it is likely that the UK law regarding the use of hoverboards will be relaxed for the benefits and enjoyment of citizens. This will happen after certain laws on roads or when pathways have been created for hoverboard riders.
For instance, during this global pandemic, electric scooters are the latest devices used by young professionals to commute to work every day. While the law still frowns at it, it is nearly not feasible to arrest them because the volume of people breaking the laws is enormous. Also, the pressure of keeping environmental air clean has added additional pressure on government regulators to allow hoverboards on UK roads.
As a result of this, government regulators are for various means to reduce the risk on pathways and pavements in order to make the law flexible. To make this possible, manufacturers will have to consider safety as a priority during production. The government will have to impose certain laws on production industries and market sellers so that the end-user of the product observes safety measures.
Future of Hoverboard
Due to the design of the hoverboard wheel, they are not allowed to be used outside. However, technology is advancing and bigger wheels are being incorporated and better balancing mechanisms are added to ensure that users are safe while riding on the device.
Searching for where to buy Hoverboards in the UK? You can consider checking our store at etransport. We have been into the game for a long time providing customers the best in electric vehicles.
Electric Bicycle Law
Something here
Electric Skateboard Law
Electric Skateboards in the UK: Are They Legal?
No, electric skateboards aren’t legal in the UK according to the UK law. It means you can’t ride an electric skateboard either on the footpath or road in Scotland, Wales, and England.
All the electric skateboards that can travel up to 15.5mph are permanently banned on pavements and roads within the UK.
UK Laws About Electric Skateboards
Because of the Highway Act 1835, the electric skateboard law has been in a grey area for a long time. The Act defines the carriage in a rather broad term in which you can’t ride on a footpath; that’s why you can’t use electric skateboards or bicycles on pathways.
According to UK legislation, an electric skateboard falls under the category of electric scooters, making it motorised transportation. However, there isn’t any tax applicable on the electric skateboard. Since it’s a motorised vehicle, it may also require insurance, license, and registration.
Locations
There is light at the end of the tunnel, as the UK government announced on the 9th of May, 2020, to bring forth some plans to test E-scooter regulations from July 2020.
The Transport Minister announced the new rules to test rental e-scooters schemes in 50 locations across the United Kingdom.
It means the residents and visitors can hire an e-skateboard and use it legally in certain areas, such as Bath and Bristol. Moreover, the riders don’t need insurance to hire an e-scooter; instead, they only need a driving license.
However, it’s still illegal to ride a privately owned electric skateboard and scooter on public roads, construction sites, and busy streets. It means you can only ride an electric skateboard within the premises of your house.
Can You Own an E-Skateboard in the UK?
According to UK legislation, purchasing and owning an electric skateboard is lawful. Moreover, you can conveniently buy them online or from the market as they are freely available. However, their use is certainly restricted to private property only.
