The rules around e-scooters in the UK aren’t standing still, but they’re not flipping either. Rental trials carry on until 31 May 2028. Private e-scooters stay off public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. That’s the headline. It affects how you ride, what shops tell buyers, and how councils shape streets.
What actually changed, and when
The national rental programme started in 2020. It has been extended several times, and now the end date is set for 31 May 2028. The idea is simple. Keep the legal rental schemes running, gather more data, and learn what works. The rules for privately owned scooters did not change. You can use one on private land with permission. Public roads, pavements and cycle lanes remain out.
If you’re in a rental city, you keep riding. If you own a scooter and hoped for a switch to legal road use, that switch did not arrive. Police can still stop riders, issue fines, add points to a licence, and seize scooters used in offences. It’s strict, and it still applies.
Key changes at a glance
- Trials run to 31 May 2028
- Private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes
- Rentals are legal only inside approved trial zones
- Roads and signed cycle lanes are in scope for rentals, not pavements or motorways
- Speed cap for rentals: 15.5 mph (25 km/h), with lower local caps in some streets
- You need a provisional or full licence with category Q
- Third-party insurance comes from the rental operator
- Helmets are recommended, not compulsory
- Police can fine, endorse and seize for illegal private use
Where you can ride right now
If your town or city runs a rental scheme, the app shows where you can ride. Geofenced maps mark the zone. On the road is fine. Cycle lanes are fine where signed. Pavements are out. Motorways are out too. Some squares and busy streets run as no-ride areas. Some streets run at lower speed. The app will slow the scooter for you inside those zones, which feels odd the first time and normal after that.
Parking rules vary by city. Some places want you to leave the scooter in a marked bay. Others use virtual bays. Either way, end the trip in the app and park neatly so people can pass. If you don’t, you’ll see a warning or a fee. It’s not worth the hassle.
Private scooters remain off the public network. You can ride one on private property if the owner agrees. That line has not moved.
The tech and build rules for rental fleets
Trial scooters follow tight design rules. These keep speeds and power in check and give police and operators a clear standard.
- Motor power up to 500 W continuous
- Top speed up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
- Unladen mass 55 kg or less
- Two wheels in line, one at the front and one at the rear
- Handlebars linked to the steering mechanically
- One rider only
Braking and control rules are strict too.
- Two independent braking systems with set stopping targets
- At least one hand-operated brake
- If energy recovery counts as one system, the other must be friction
- A bell or horn you can hear in real traffic
- Lights and reflectors for night riding
- Anti-tamper controls for power and speed
Operators add tech on top. Speed limiters hold the cap. Geofencing sets slow zones near schools and hospitals. Remote checks spot faults, and staff pull bad scooters from the fleet. The aim is fewer surprises, fewer street obstructions, and fewer crashes.
Who can ride, and what you need
You need a provisional or full driving licence with category Q to ride a rental. The app checks it when you sign up. The operator provides third-party insurance, so you don’t buy your own policy for rental rides. A cycle helmet is advised. Many schemes use 18 as the minimum age, set in local terms. Some places add a short in-app training module for first rides. Take it. It helps.
How enforcement works
Police treat e-scooters as motor vehicles for the parts of the law that apply. That means you can get a fine and points for illegal road use on a private scooter. Seizure is on the table if you ignore warnings or ride in a way that breaks the rules. Phone use while moving is illegal. So is drink or drug riding. Pavement riding can lead to a penalty. Red-light jumping can lead to a bigger one. Think of it like this. If it would be a problem on a moped, it’s a problem on an e-scooter.
Rentals vs private e-scooters, in plain terms
Rentals are the legal route in town. They run inside marked zones. They come with licence checks, speed caps, geofencing and built-in insurance. Data from trips helps councils plan parking bays and slow zones. Private scooters are legal on private land only. Shops can sell them. Riders can own and store them. Public road use is still not allowed. Tuning a scooter to beat a limiter can void a warranty and lead to tougher penalties. It’s not clever, and it doesn’t help anyone.
What this means for riders, parents, shops and councils
Riders. If you want to ride through town, pick a rental and bring your licence. Plan your route before you start, then put the phone away. Keep off pavements. Watch for slow zones. Park in marked bays and end the trip in the app. If a scooter feels off, report it in the app so it can be fixed or taken out of service.
Parents. Check the age rules where you live. Talk about lane position, scanning, signal timing and eye contact with drivers. Night rides need working lights, bright clothing and a simple route. Keep phones and earphones out of use when moving. One rider per scooter at all times. It sounds blunt, but it keeps falls down and control up.
Retailers. Be crystal clear at the point of sale. A private e-scooter is not for public roads or pavements. Give buyers a short handout on charging, fire safety and storage. Stock helmets that meet current standards and make fitting part of the chat. Offer solid locks, and explain safe battery care in simple steps.
Local councils. The extension to 2028 lets you plan for the long haul. Longer contracts can raise fleet quality, cut clutter and support better rider training. Use slow zones near schools and in busy high streets. Add parking near stations, hospitals and venues so trips end cleanly. Work with operators and police on joint messages about helmets, parking and night riding. Keep maps current and easy to find.
A quick checklist before you ride
- Check your city runs a live rental trial
- Carry a driving licence with category Q
- Read the in-app rules on speed and riding hours
- Wear a cycle helmet that fits
- Pick a route, then stow your phone
- Use the road or cycle lanes where signed
- Stay off pavements
- Respect slow zones
- Park in an approved bay and end the hire in the app
- Report crashes or hazards through the app, and to police if needed
FAQs
Are private e-scooters legal on the road now?
No. Private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. You can ride on private land with permission.
What’s the speed limit for rentals?
The cap is 15.5 mph. Some streets use lower limits through geofencing.
Do I need my own insurance for a rental?
No. The operator provides third-party cover for rental rides.
What licence do I need?
A provisional or full licence with category Q. The app checks it when you sign up.
Where are rentals allowed?
On the road and in cycle lanes inside a live trial area. Pavements and motorways are out.
Will new towns join the trials?
Some may apply and get approval. Zones can expand too. The framework runs to 31 May 2028.
Will private scooters become legal on roads?
No confirmed date. The current focus is on rental data and safety.