UK Law - E-Scooters & E-Bikes

UK Law - E-Scooters & E-Bikes

Hello

I have had a lot of questions from people regarding the above, shown below is important info for your attention.  Please share.

E‑Scooters & E‑Bikes 

We’ve seen an increase in e‑scooters being used across the county, especially in towns and city centres. Many people are unaware that most e‑scooters and similar devices are classed as motor vehicles under UK law.

What is an E-scooter?

 E-scooters and unregistered e-motorbikes are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence and insurance.

There are two ways of using an e-scooter:

It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.

If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. 

If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter/e-motorbike, the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car. 

This and more information can be found via the following link:

https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/

E‑bikes (EAPCs):

• You can only ride an e‑bike if it (and you!) meets certain requirements 

• Riders must be 14 years or over 

• Must have usable pedals, a motor no more than 250W, and assistance limited to 15.5mph • Anything more powerful is classed as a moped/motorcycle and must be registered, taxed, insured and ridden with a licence and helmet 

• Non‑compliant e‑bikes can be seized

Regards

Jo