In addition, powered transporters are forbidden from using footpaths. This rule applies almost all vehicles, with special legal exceptions for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. By section 72, Highway Act 1835 it is an offence to ride on, or to lead or draw a carriage on a pavement. It is an offence to use powered transporters on the pavement. 4.1 Pavements and other pedestrian-only areas The way in which they restrict the use of powered transporter depends on where that use takes place. In other spaces various laws and regulations restrict the use of motor vehicles, including powered transporters. The permission of the owner or occupier of the land must be obtained however. You can use powered transporters on private land to which the public does not have access without legal restrictions. Where can a powered transporter be used legally? Failures to comply with these rules are criminal offences for which users can be arrested and prosecuted. The law aims to ensure safety, consistency, and environmental sustainability in the manufacture and use of motor vehicles. There is case law confirming that powered transporters fall within this definition (see section 8 of this information sheet). The definition of “motor vehicle” as set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 is “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”. This means that they are covered by the same laws and regulations that apply to all motor vehicles. There is no specially-designed legal regime for powered transporters. What law applies to the use of powered transporters? This term does not include electrically-assisted pedal cycles ( EAPCs), which have their own regulatory framework. It includes e-scooters, Segways, hoverboards, go-peds (combustion engine-powered kick-scooters), powered unicycles, and u-wheels. The term “powered transporters” covers a variety of novel personal transport devices which are mechanically propelled (propelled by a motor) as well as or instead of being manually propelled. on private land with the permission of the land owner.It is legal to use a powered transporter: in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanesĪny 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.on a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements, which potential users will find very difficult.It is illegal to use a powered transporter: Therefore the laws that apply to motor vehicles apply to powered transporters. Given how powered transporters are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”. This information sheet aims to provide guidance to users and purchasers of these vehicles, as well as to help retailers, manufacturers, hirers, and importers to understand the law about their use. “Powered transporters” is a term used to cover a variety of novel and emerging personal transport devices which are powered by a motor, including e-scooters. If you use an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded.The rules for private e-scooters and other powered transporters have not changed and are as follows. Trials are for approved rental e-scooters only.

Read more information on where trials are taking place and the rules to follow.

The government has begun trials of e-scooters

Electric conveyance vehicle