E-scooter rules in the United Kingdom (2026)
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026
In short: Private e-scooters are illegal on public land. Rental e-scooters are allowed only in official trial areas.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Use on public roadsPrivately owned | Not allowed [1] |
| Use on public roadsRental; Official trial areas only | Allowed [1] |
| Driving licenceRental; Official trial areas only | Full or provisional UK driving licence with category Q entitlement (included with AM, A or B). Certain full foreign licences accepted. [1] |
| Minimum ageRental; Official trial areas only | 16 years [2] |
| Helmet requiredRental; Official trial areas only | No [1] |
| Insurance requiredRental; Official trial areas only | Yes [1] |
| Maximum speedRental; Official trial areas only | 15.5 mph [1] |
| Where to rideRental; Official trial areas only | Roads (not motorways) and cycle lanes inside an official trial area. Never on the pavement. [1] |
| Passengers allowedRental; Official trial areas only | No [1] |
| Trial areasRental; Official trial areas only | Bournemouth and Poole, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, Cornwall, Essex (Braintree and Chelmsford), Gloucestershire, Leeds, Liverpool, London (participating boroughs), Milton Keynes, North and West Northamptonshire, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Salford, Slough, Solent, West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry), West of England Combined Authority [1] |
| Trial end dateRental; Official trial areas only | May 2028 [3] |
Notes
- Only inside official rental trial areas, and only on rental e-scooters.
- You need a full or provisional UK driving licence with category Q (included with AM, A or B), which you can get from age 16. Operators may set a higher age.
Sources
- Department for Transport (GOV.UK): Using a rental e-scooter (consulted October 8, 2026) · all sources
- GOV.UK: Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle: bike categories, ages and licence requirements (consulted October 8, 2026) · all sources
- Department for Transport (GOV.UK): Rental e-scooter trials (consulted October 8, 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.