E-scooter trials: guidance for users (2024)

Introduction

The government is running trials of electric scooters (e-scooters). This guidance lists the rules for members of the general public who are using e-scooters that are part of trials.

These rules are only for rental e-scooters used as part of trials

The rules for private e-scooters have not changed. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter on public land. If you use an e-scooter illegally:

you could face a fine
you could get penalty points on your licence
the e-scooter could be impounded

Trial areas

Trials are taking place in these areas:

Bournemouth and Poole
Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough)
Cambridge
Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester)
Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester)
Liverpool
London (participating boroughs)
Milton Keynes
Newcastle
North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden and Higham Ferrers)
North Devon
Norwich
Oxfordshire (Oxford)
Salford
Slough
Solent (Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton)
Somerset (Taunton, Minehead and Yeovil)
West Midlands (Birmingham)
West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath)

The maximum speed for an e-scooter is 15.5mph.

Trial e-scooters are limited to this speed and in some areas e-scooters may be limited to a lower maximum speed.

Driving licences

You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK 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.

If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates when using a rental e-scooter.

If you have an overseas driving licence, you can use an e-scooter if you:

have a valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (so long as this does not prohibit you from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles)
have a valid full licence from another country that entitles you to drive a small vehicle (for example, cars, mopeds or motorcycles) and you entered the UK within the last 12 months

Use our online tool to check if you can drive in Great Britain with your non-GB licence.

If you have been resident in the UK for more than 12 months, you must exchange your licence if you wish to continue driving in the UK.

Insurance

E-scooters must have motor insurance, but you do not need to arrange this as this will be provided by your e-scooter rental operator.

Helmets and clothing

You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement.

Make sure that your cycle helmet conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and is securely fastened.

Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing so that other road users can see you in daylight, poor light and in the dark.

Where you can use a trial e-scooter

You may use a trial e-scooter on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes.

You must not use an e-scooter on the pavement.

Traffic signs with the following cycle symbol apply to e-scooters (unless a sign is displayed prohibiting e-scooters from that particular cycle way):

E-scooter trials: guidance for users (1)

Registration plates and vehicle excise duty

E-scooters do not need to be registered, display registration plates or pay vehicle excise duty.

Other safety rules for trial e-scooter users

e-scooters should only be used within the local area hosting the trial
e-scooters should be used by one person at a time
you must not tow anything using an e-scooter
you must not use a mobile phone when using an e-scooter
you may use a screen to display navigation information, but this must be set up prior to setting off
always ensure bags or other small items you are carrying will not cause a danger to you or others around you – for example, never hang them from the handlebars
you should not ride an e-scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated – you may be prosecuted under drink or drug driving laws as careless and dangerous driving offences also apply to users of e-scooters
you should also refer to the terms of use of the e-scooter operator before renting a trial e-scooter

Published 13 July 2020
Last updated 1 June 2024 +show all updates

1 June 2024
Updated trial areas for the trial extension from 31 May 2024 to 31 May 2026.
See Also
Emergency department electric scooter injuries after the introduction of shared e-scooter services: A retrospective review of 3,331 cases
3 January 2024
Derby and Nottingham listing removed.
17 July 2023
West Midlands (Birmingham) trial restarts, end of Reddich trial.
4 July 2023
West Midlands listing removed.
17 May 2023
North Devon trial opened.
9 May 2023
Sunderland trial removed.
3 February 2023
Removed Coventry as that trial has concluded.
10 January 2023
Copeland trial has ended.
20 December 2022
North Lincolnshire (Sc*nthorpe) trial ended.
2 December 2022
Slough, Kent, Sandwell and Brentwood removed from trial list.
25 October 2022
Removed North Devon from the trial areas list.
31 March 2022
Rochdale has withdrawn from the e-scooter trials.
21 December 2021
Removed Chard, Clacton and Crewkerne from the trial areas list.
22 September 2021
Trial list updated to add London, remove Staffordshire and amend areas referenced in Buckinghamshire, Essex and Somerset West.
19 April 2021
Added Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester) and North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough) to trial areas.
7 April 2021
Added Sunderland, Great Yarmouth, North Devon (Barnstaple), Rochdale and Northamptonshire to trial areas.
31 March 2021
Added Clacton (Essex), Portsmouth and Southampton (Solent) and Chard and Crewkerne (South Somerset) trial areas.
15 February 2021
Addition of Colchester, Sandwell, Newcastle and Oxfordshire as trial areas.
2 February 2021
The list of trial areas has been updated.
18 December 2020
Added new trial areas: North Lincolnshire (Sc*nthorpe) plus Cheshire West and Chester.
18 December 2020
Added Copeland (Whitehaven) to list of trial areas.
9 December 2020
Added Solent (Isle of Wight) and Essex (Basildon) to trial areas.
2 November 2020
New trial areas added in Somerset West (Taunton), West of England Combined Authority (Bristol, Bath) and Kent (Canterbury).
21 October 2020
Addition of trial areas in Slough, Salford, South Somerset and Buckinghamshire.
13 October 2020
Added new trial areas: Nottingham, Derby, Cambridge, York.
1 October 2020
Added two new trial areas: Liverpool and Redditch.
30 September 2020
New trial areas in Staffordshire and Gloucestershire added.
14 September 2020
Added new trial area of Greater Norwich.
9 September 2020
Added details of new areas where trials are taking place (Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and the West Midlands).
13 July 2020
First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents

E-scooter trials: guidance for users (2024)

FAQs

How long is the e-scooter trial? ›

In July 2020 the Planning & Transportation Committee agreed to participate in the pan-London rental e-scooter trial. The City formally joined the trial in July 2021. On 1 November 2022 the Planning & Transportation Committee then agreed an extension of the current trial until 31 April 2024.

Read On ›

How do you unlock a Tier e-scooter? ›

Find & select a TIER e-scooter near you, click "unlock", scan the QR-code, confirm the T&Cs, enter your pin and the e-scooter will unlock. Place one foot on the footboard, hands on the handlebar and push-off with your foot 3-4 times to get going. Place both feet on the footboard when you're ready to accelerate.

Discover More Details ›

How do I make sure no one steals my electric scooter? ›

Get the right gear

Simple gear like good locks, an audible alarm, and GPS tracking are some of the best scooter theft prevention tools available. Chains should be made of heavy, hardened steel designed to resist bolt cutters and similar tools. You can also use solid D-locks to block the wheels.

What percentage of e-scooter riders wear helmets? ›

In many areas, the percentage of e-scooter riders wearing helmets is below 1 percent, but in some cities with strict helmet laws, it can be as high as 15 percent.

See Details ›

How fast is a 1000W E-Scooter? ›

1000W Powerful Motor

Features a 1000W motor for strong power output, MAX speeds up to 30 mph, max slope of 40%, travel range of 28-32 miles under specific conditions.

Find Out More ›

How long does it take to electric scooter 1 mile? ›

Most popular electric scooters and electric bikes will travel a mile in under ten minutes even with light traffic, whereas a kick scooter would probably take this amount of time as a minimum.

Tell Me More ›

How much does tier cost? ›

Users will need to download the TIER app and create an account and prove they are over the age of 18 with a valid full or provisional driving licence to ride an e-scooter. E-scooters and e-bikes cost 99p to unlock and then 16p per minute. Users can also choose from a range of passes.

Show Me More ›

Can you leave Tier scooters anywhere? ›

Please note scooters are not to be taken home but left in the riding zone area once you have completed your ride. Scooters should be left on public property which is accessible to the operations team. Be mindful and avoid blocking pavements, access ramps, bus stops, and landscaped areas.

Explore More ›

Can 2 people ride tier scooter? ›

Can two people ride on the same vehicle? Unfortunately, you can not ride our e-bikes or e-scooters with a passenger. If you want to ride with your friends or family, check our group ride feature, which will allow you to unlock multiple vehicles from one TIER account.

Do electric scooters have trackers? ›

Some electric scooters come equipped with GPS trackers, while others may require aftermarket installations by the owner.

Show Me More ›

Do electric scooters have cameras? ›

International e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility is fitting its vehicles with front-facing artificial intelligence-powered cameras.

Read The Full Story ›

How to get Lime scooters for free? ›

If you receive subsidized rent, discounted utilities, or nutritional assistance (e.g. SNAP) you likely qualify for rides at a reduced fare. Lime Access gives five free 30-minute rides per day, with additional time at 50% off.

See Details ›

What happens if you don't wear a helmet on a scooter? ›

You must wear a bicycle helmet if you're using a bicycle, scooter or e-scooter to help protect you. If you don't follow these rules, you can be fined.

Get More Info Here ›

Should I wear full-face helmet on electric scooter? ›

For the best protection, a full-face helmet is recommended as it covers your entire head and face. Full-face helmets provide the most comprehensive protection in case of a crash. However, if you find full-face helmets too heavy or restrictive, a half-face helmet may be more comfortable for shorter, lower-speed rides.

Is helmet free with scooter? ›

Bike showrooms used to provide bike Cover, helmet & crash guard, seat covers for free when you buy a new bike or a scooter, Now the situation is quite different , with majority of states/cities making it compulsory for the rider to have helmets , showroom people usually don't provide such accessories .

How long do electric scooters stay charged? ›

The typical range for an e-scooter battery is between 20-40 miles per charge, or 32-64km. This can vary, though. To maximise your battery life, t's important to be mindful of your riding conditions and riding style.

View Details ›

How long does it take to learn how do you ride an electric scooter? ›

The learning curve for riding an electric scooter varies from person to person. Some individuals may feel comfortable after just a few minutes, while others might take longer to build their confidence. The key is to start slow, practice in a safe environment, and gradually increase your comfort level.

How long does Escooter last? ›

The lifespan of an electric scooter can vary based on several factors. On average, well-maintained electric scooters can last anywhere from three to five years. However, this estimate is contingent on various elements such as usage patterns, maintenance practices, and the quality of components.

Learn More ›

Can you trial a mobility scooter? ›

Home visit and test drives. Once you've chosen a product, your dealer will arrange for you to test drive different makes and models to see which one best suits your needs.

Discover More Details ›