Controversial vehicle could be legalised across UK despite drivers having fears

Electric scooters could be legalised across the UK despite road safety fears. More than 25 rental e-scooter trials are taking place across the UK and private electric scooters could soon be seen on public roads, the Transport Secretary has hinted.

It is currently to use a privately owned e-scooter on public land. But Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, from the Labour Party government, said this morning when asked by the Commons Transport Select Committee if she plans to change laws regarding the use of e-scooters: "We will look to legislate, absolutely."

The Labour MP for Sheffield went on and also added today: "It’s clearly required. It's not good enough that it’s been left in this situation for too long." Haigh continued, saying that electric scooters could be a "really effective part of an integrated transport strategy", especially for those with accessibility needs.

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She said the Department for Transport would "really carefully analyse what journeys they are replacing, and the behavioural impact of e-scooters". You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter.

If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates when using a rental e-scooter. If you have an overseas driving licence, you can use an e-scooter if you have a valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (so long as this does not prohibit you from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles) and have a valid full licence from another country that entitles you to drive a small vehicle (for example, cars, mopeds or motorcycles) and you entered the UK within the last 12 months.