August 5, 2025
It’s currently illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place
We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.
However the current law is clear
You can buy one but it is illegal to use a PRIVATELY OWNED e-scooter in ANY public space including roads, pavements, parks, town centres or canal towpaths for example.
The only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.
What will happen if I’m stopped by Warwickshire Police?
If you ride an e-scooter on public land and roads you need to comply with a number of conditions including having appropriate insurance.
Warwickshire Police has the power to seize e-scooters if you do not have insurance and to prosecute riders — please make sure you keep your privately owned e-scooter on private land so this doesn’t happen to you.
Why is this?
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as:
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
Warwickshire is currently not part of the trials so e-scooters cannot be hired at this time.
The UK Government is currently taking part in ‘Future Transport Zone’ trials for e-scooter hire, with a view to making them legal to use on the roads.
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership understands the importance of supporting environmentally friendly modes of transport.
We want to work with the public to make sure the roads are safe for everyone.
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership
@WarwickshireRoadSafety
@WarksRoadSafety
www.warksroadsafety.org