Home / Technology / E-Scooter Ban Over? New Rules Coming for Private Scooters
E-Scooter Ban Over? New Rules Coming for Private Scooters
15 Feb
Summary
- UK government plans new rules for privately-owned e-scooters.
- Current laws only permit e-scooter hire schemes; private use is banned.
- New regulations will cover usage locations, speed limits, and safety.
The UK government is preparing to introduce new regulations for privately-owned e-scooters. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged that existing legislation is no longer aligned with the widespread use of these devices, stating "the genie is out of the bottle."
Currently, only e-scooter hire schemes are legal, with privately-owned e-scooters prohibited on public roads and pavements. However, new laws are being drafted to establish clear guidelines on where private e-scooters can be operated, with an explicit exclusion for pavements.
Further regulations addressing speed limits and essential safety features like lights and functioning brakes are expected to be implemented as soon as parliamentary time permits. This development follows the increasing visibility of e-scooters in urban areas, such as Birmingham's hire scheme which has been operating since 2020.
