Electric Scooters

It is currently against the law to ride an e-scooter on a public road or pavement.

West Yorkshire Police understands that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can buy them from many popular retailers.

 

Current law

You can buy an e-scooter, but you cannot ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement.  The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.

 

Why is this?

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), so they are treated as motor vehicles and are subject to the same legal requirements such as:

• Mot
• Licensing
• Tax
• Insurance

As e-scooters do not have number-plates, signalling ability and do not always have visible rear lights, they cannot be used legally on the roads.

 

What happens if I’m stopped by the Police?

The Police will advise you of the current law about how to use an e-scooter legally and ask you to take it home.  They may however still penalise you depending on the nature and gravity of the offence.

 

E-scooter trials

The UK Government is currently taking part in ‘Future Transport Zone’ trials for e-scooter hire, with a view to making them legal to use on the roads. Enquire with your local authority for a trial closest to you.

 

Further information

Further details can be found on the following government website:
Powered transporters – gov.uk 

West Yorkshire Police