Everything you need to know about e-scooter use do’s and don’ts, put simply

Lauren Martin of our Personal Injury team provides a simple guide to e-scooters in this blog timed to coincide with Injury Prevention Week. 

A simple guide to e-scooters

E-scooters have been around a while now and, whilst I love to let my hair down as much as anyone, I can’t help but watch through my fingers as I see someone pass inches by me, on the pavement, on a high speed private e-scooter. 

So why are e-bikes not subject to the same rules as e-scooters then?

In simple terms, e-bikes are in their own class of transport (electrically propelled pedal cycles), which mean as long as they meet the requirements, they will stay in this class and adhere to the same rules as standard pedal bicycles. 

Interestingly, if they do not meet the requirements of the above, they will be classed as a motorbike or moped and subject to rules of motor vehicles, but that’s another blog for another time. 

What are the laws about who can ride a rental e-scooter?

You need either a full or provisional licence to ride a rental e-scooter which means, by that token, that you have to be 17 or older to ride a rental e-scooter.

I have my own e-scooter. It’s not a hire or rental scooter. Can I ride that legally? 

Currently no. Not unless you are on private land with the permission of the land owner. 

If you are caught on your own e-scooter, in a public space then it is likely the Police will confiscate the e-scooter and land you with a fine of up to £300.00 and 6 points on your driving licence. If you don’t have a driving licence they will add the points when you do get one!

The most dangerous offences on privately owned e-scooters would attract disqualification from driving altogether.

Okay, so if I hire an e-scooter in Bath or Bristol through Voi, what are the do’s and don’ts? 

• DO, where possible, wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. It is not yet a legal requirement, however it is common sense to do this. 
• DON’T ride on the pavements. This is not allowed by law and you will be difficult to detect if coming up behind a pedestrian, as e-scooters are near silent. If you hit someone with your e-scooter and they are injured, they may sue you and you will have to pay compensation! 
• DO ride on the roads with respect and awareness of other vehicles that are also using the roads. This includes going down streets of parked cars where someone may be exiting their vehicle and avoiding undertaking vehicles. 
• DON’T ride an e-scooter after you have been drinking alcohol or if you’re under the influence of drugs. As e-scooters are in the same class as mopeds and motorcycles you could be prosecuted for driving under the influence. 

What is the future for e-scooters?

It cannot be denied that e-scooters are either loved or hated, and a large amount of hate comes from the misuse of these e-scooters by people who either do not know or do not care about the rules. 

It is near impossible to stem the high number of private e-scooters on the roads, as it is legal to sell them and they are easy to get hold of. As a result of this, it is likely that private e-scooters will be legalised in the future, subject to plating and insurance requirements, for use on the roads only. 

This is positive for the environment and will be a great way to get about in towns and cities, as long as everyone plays by the rules. 

It’s estimated that legalisation will flood the roads with another 750,000 e-scooters in the UK and, with this estimated rise in use, it will be important that the laws are respected, and that users are aware of their surroundings and the rules of the road.  

What to do if you have been injured by an e-scooter user or as an e-scooter user

Hopefully our simple guide to e-scooters is useful, but the fact remains that accidents involving e-scooters are happening. The door swings both ways for this type of transport. They have great potential to cause harm to others if used illegally, and likewise great potential to cause harm to the rider due to them being unprotected and having to share the roads with larger vehicles. 

In either case, if you’re involved in an e-scooter accident make sure you get the details of the person who has caused the injury, along with photographs and, if the injuries caused are serious, call the Police and an Ambulance. 

Thereafter, contact an experienced lawyer who has an in-depth knowledge of e-scooter laws and personal injury claims. Thatcher + Hallam is proud to offer an initial no-obligation appointment to discuss what happened and no win, no fee funding as standard for e-scooter injury claims. You can contact us here. 

Alternatively, you may wish to make use of our free Legal Surgery for advice.