Did you know that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on the roads and pavements?
E-scooters come under the category of ‘powered transporters’.
Powered transporters fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means that the rules for you to drive an e-scooter are the same as those you require when driving a car.
As an e-scooter is classed as a motor vehicle, users must comply with various pieces of road traffic legislation, including but not limited to the requirement for the rider to have:

• A valid driving licence
• Valid insurance

It is not currently possible to get appropriate insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means they cannot be used on the road or in public places legally

It’s important to emphasise that if you’re not hiring an e-scooter from ‘TIER’ as part of the Essex County Council scheme, you’ll be breaking the law. We are urging retailers to make the law clear to anyone thinking of buying an e-scooter.

Safety is very important too, and action will be taken against anyone breaking the law. This will mean seizing the e-scooter and may also mean prosecution for using a motor vehicle without insurance or the appropriate licence.
 
You can find out more information about e-scooter use on our advice and information page. 

.