What are the regulations for riding electric scooters in the UK?
The regulations for riding electric scooters in the UK are as follows:
Private land use restrictions: Under UK law, electric scooters are currently limited to private use, and their use on public roads is strictly restricted. This means that the use of electric scooters on private land without a license is allowed, but their use on public roads and sidewalks may be subject to legal sanctions.
Fines and deduction points: If people use electric scooters on sidewalks or public roads, they may be fined £300 and have 6 points deducted from their driver's license.
Electric scooter specifications: Traveling in the UK requires compliance with EAPCs (Extended Approval for Personal use of e-scooters), with the following specific requirements:
Must have pedals;
Maximum power cannot exceed 250 watts;
Maximum electric speed cannot exceed 15.5mph (about 24.6km/h);
Battery power, volts, power output and maximum speed must be clearly stated;
Can have 3 wheels
Age and license requirements: In the UK, electric scooter riders must be 16 years of age or older and have a full or temporary driver's license
Pilot projects: The UK government has conducted pilot projects for electric scooters in some cities to assess their safety. In these pilot projects, electric scooters can be legally on the road, but they still need to comply with the above regulations
Safety standards: Electric scooters need to follow the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certification process to ensure that they meet local safety standards and regulations. This includes aspects such as design, performance, safety requirements, test methods, as well as electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and general electrical safety (such as IP protection level)
Insurance and road tax: In the UK, electric scooters are not insured and cannot be road taxed, which limits their use on public roads
In summary, although the UK is gradually relaxing restrictions on electric scooters and exploring the possibility of their legalization through pilot projects, the use of electric scooters is still subject to strict regulations and restrictions. Riders must comply with these regulations to ensure the legal and safe use of electric scooters.