E-scooters and e-bikes are increasingly popular, particularly with children and young people, but the law around privately owned e-scooters is very clear.
Whilst you can legally buy a private e-scooter, it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK.
Privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. They cannot be ridden on roads, pavements, cycle lanes, parks or other public places.
This is because e-scooters are treated as motor vehicles under UK law and are subject to requirements including driving licences and insurance. Private e-scooters cannot currently meet the requirements needed for lawful use on public roads.
Untaxed and uninsured high-powered, fast or modified bikes, often sold as "e-bikes", are also illegal on public highways - find out more.
E-scooters, e-bikes and anti-social behaviour
The illegal or inconsiderate use of e-scooters and modified e-bikes can also cause concern in our communities, particularly when they are ridden at speed, on pavements, around pedestrians or in busy public spaces.
This type of behaviour can be intimidating and may make other people feel worried or unsafe, particularly older people, disabled people and those with young children.
Where the use of an e-scooter is causing harassment, alarm or distress, or is being used in a way that is causing anti-social behaviour, we encourage you to report it.
Reporting problems helps the police and local partners understand where issues are happening and take appropriate action.
What about rental e-scooters?
Government-approved rental e-scooters are different. They can be used in areas operating an official trial, subject to the rules of that scheme.
There is currently no approved e-scooter rental scheme in Lichfield District.
