E-scooters
We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.
However, the current law is clear
You can buy one but you can’t legally ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement. If you own an e-scooter, it can only be used on private land.
Why is this?
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as:
- MOT
- Licensing
- Tax
- Insurance
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
Rental e-scooter trials
Trials of rental e-scooters are taking place in the UK, with a view to making them legal to use on the road, only the e-scooter operating as part of the trials are legally allowed on public roads. However, Hounslow Council is not currently part of the trial.
What happens if I am stopped by the Police?
The Police will advise you on the law and may ask you to take your e-scooter home. They may, however, still penalise you depending on the seriousness of the offence. If caught riding an e-scooter, fines you may receive can include:
- a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance; with a £300 fine and six penalty points
- a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points
Other offences which may result in penalties including riding on the pavement, using a mobile phone, riding through red lights and drink driving offences.
Police also have the powers to seize vehicles – please make sure you keep your e-scooter on private land so this doesn’t happen to you.
To find out more visit the Met Police website - Advice on using e-scooters
