Do you need a licence for an electric scooter?

TIER release the trailer for their electric scooter

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Electric scooters will be set loose on London’s roads as part of a year-long trial. E-scooters have become a common sight across the UK, but it is not actually lawful for them to be used in several public spaces. A new trial in London will soon launch and riders will be required to take an online safety course before their first hire, but this will be far from the only requirement for prospective riders.

Electric scooters can be legally used on public roads in London from next month.

The London e-scooter trial will involve rental e-scooters, while those which are privately-owned will remain illegal to use on roads and pavements.

Transport for London confirmed the 12-month trial of rental e-scooters will enable people to ride scooters on roads and cycle paths in several boroughs beginning on June 7.

These e-scooters will have a maximum speed limit of 12.5mph which is below the 15.5mph set by the Department for Transport.

Three operators have been chosen by Transport for London (TfL) to run the trial service – these will include Tier, Lime and Dott.

The schemes will only operate in a few parts of central, south and west London.

The 12-month trial will run in Canary Wharf, the City of London and boroughs including Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing, Richmond upon Thames and Hammersmith.

Only 60 to 120 scooters will be available in each borough at the start of the trial, with prices to be set by each operator.

E-scooters will be barred from pavements and privately owned e-scooters will remain illegal, despite their widespread daily use.

Helen Sharp, TfL’s e-scooter trial lead, said: “We’re doing all we can to support London’s safe and sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and it’s clear that e-scooters could act as an innovative, greener alternative to car trips.

“Safety remains our number one priority and we will work closely with the e-scooter operators, London Councils and the boroughs to ensure rigorous standards are consistently met.”

DON’T MISS
London boy killed for his scooter – while his heartbroken dad ill [INSIGHT]
Xiaomi is giving away FREE electric scooters when upgrading your phone [EXPLAINER]
Students are banned for being drunk on e-scooters [PICTURES]

Do you need a licence for an electric scooter?

You must have the Category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter.

The Category Q entitlement means you can drive two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles without pedals with an engine size of not more than 50cc if powered by an internal combustion engine or a maximum design speed of no more than 15.5mph.

Full or provisional UK driving licence for categories AM, A or B includes this entitlement.

You do not need to show L plates when using an e-scooter if you have a provisional licence.

Other rules for riding an e-scooter

E-scooters must have motor insurance, but you do not need to arrange this as it should be provided by your e-scooter rental operator.

Anyone using an e-scooter must wear a cycle helmet while riding the machine.

You should also wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing so other road users can see you in the daylight, in poor light or in the dark.

Other safety rules for trial e-scooter users should include:

  • E-scooters should only be used within the local area hosting the trial
  • E-scooters should be used by one person at a time.
  • You must not tow anything using an e-scooter
  • You must not use a mobile phone when using an e-scooter
  • You may use a screen to display navigation information, but this must be set up prior to setting off
  • Always ensure bags or other small items you are carrying will not cause a danger to you or others around you, for example, never hang them from the handlebars.
  • You cannot ride drunk or intoxicated.

Source: Read Full Article