Be aware of the laws around escooters

IT is important to be aware of the laws that surround escooters.

Given how the ‘powered transporters’ are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle. Therefore it is illegal to use a powered transporter:

On a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements, which potential users will find very difficult;in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes.any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.

It is an offence to use powered transporters on the pavement. By section 72, Highway Act 1835 it is an offence to ride on, or to lead or draw a carriage on a pavement. This rule applies almost all vehicles, with special legal exceptions for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

In addition, powered transporters are forbidden from using footpaths. A footpath is a public right of way over land which may only be used on foot (as opposed to a bridleway or a carriageway).

Mechanically-propelled vehicles are forbidden from using footpaths by section 34 Road Traffic Act 1988.

Essentially if you’re riding an escooter in Gloucestershire, the law states that you must be at least 16 or over and have a provisional or full driving license (including mopeds) to ride an e-scooter in the UK.

This is a requirement by the DFT.