E-scooter rules by country
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026
E-scooter rules compared: where you may ride, minimum age, helmets, insurance and speed limits. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Use on public roads | Minimum age | Helmet required | Insurance required | Plate or sticker | Maximum speed | Where to ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Privately owned: Only approved models | 14 years | No | Yes | Insurance sticker | 6–20 km/h | Cycle paths, else road; pavement only if signed |
| Netherlands | Only approved models | 16 years | No | Yes | Registration plate | Up to 25 km/h | Keep right; never on the pavement |
| United Kingdom | Privately owned: Not allowed Rental, trial areas: Allowed | Rental, trial areas: 16 years | Rental, trial areas: No | Rental, trial areas: Yes | — | Rental, trial areas: 15.5 mph | Rental, trial areas: Roads and cycle lanes in trial areas; never pavement |
How to read the comparison
- Use on public roads: whether e-scooters are allowed on public roads at all, and under which conditions.
- Minimum age: the youngest age at which you may ride.
- Helmet required: whether you must wear a helmet.
- Insurance required: whether the scooter must be insured.
- Plate or sticker: whether the scooter must carry a registration plate or an insurance sticker.
- Maximum speed: the speed limit that applies to the scooter.
- Where to ride: whether you ride on cycle paths, the road or elsewhere.
Private and rental scooters
Some rules differ for a scooter you own and one you rent, and some apply only in certain areas, such as official trial areas. Each rule shows its scope, so check that it matches your situation. Each country page links to the official sources. Compare with the drone rules if you travel with both.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.