E-Scooter Rental Trials: What Is the Law?

Late last week, the government announced that it would be commencing trials of electric scooter (“e-scooter”) rental schemes. The trials were originally slated to begin in 2021 in four regions – including the West Midlands. However, the government – eager to capitalise on the opportunity for a reset following the coronavirus shutdown – has decided to begin trials immediately as part of its “green restart of local transport”.

The government has also expanded access to the e-scooter scheme beyond the three original regions. According to reporting by the BBC, more than 50 local authorities have expressed interest in participating in the e-scooter trials. Middlesbrough is likely to be the first city to begin operation. Trials will last for 12 months.

E-scooter rental schemes are superficially similar to the e-bike (or “Boris bike”) rental schemes in London. However, because the law classes e-scooters as personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs) different regulations (and potential criminal offences) apply. Here’s what you need to know before you rent an e-scooter.

Restrictions on E-Scooter Rental Trials

First, it’s important to stress that the e-scooter trial only permits use of authorised rental schemes, not private e-scooters. You can’t buy an e-scooter and start using it on roads, even if your city is operating a trial scheme. You can only use a private e-scooter on private land.

Additionally:

Users must be over 16 years of age and hold a provisional or full driving license;
E-scooter rental companies must capture license details from users – another key difference from e-bike schemes, which don’t require sign-up;
Users cannot drive on pavements, footpaths or motorways – only on roadways, cycle lanes and tracks; and
The law doesn’t require e-scooter users to wear helmets, although it is “strongly recommended”.

According to the government’s guidance, riders will have the option to apply for a provisional driving license to use e-scooters during the trial period. Also, rental companies can accept international driving licenses (unless the holder is under the age of 16).

Offences Related to E-Scooter Operation

If you take your rented e-scooter onto the pavement or ride a private e-scooter on the roads, you are liable to a £300 fixed-penalty notice and six points on your license, if you have one.

Have a question about e-scooters or any other aspect of motoring law? Get in touch with us today.

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Regan Peggs

Director at Regan Peggs Solicitors

Regan is an experienced solicitor and advocate, qualified to represent clients in magistrates’ courts, Crown Courts, tribunals and senior courts. He founded Regan Peggs Solicitors in 2015, after a decade spent at two of the most respected law firms in the Midlands and as a senior legal advisor at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

Regan is an accredited mediator and arbitrator. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a panel mediator for ADR ODR International. Regan has experience in mediating commercial, family and local political disputes, and representing his clients in those sessions.

Regan is a former Chair of the Board of Directors at the Birmingham Law Society and a former chair of its Criminal Law Committee. He has been a lecturer for law students at the Open University. He is the only defence solicitor in the UK to be regularly invited to address international military students at the Royal College of Defence Studies.