Regulations allowing rental e-scooter trials come into force 4 July

New regulations allowing trials of rental e-scooters will come into force on Saturday 4 July 2020, with the first trials expected to begin the following week. 

Local authorities and devolved administrations hosting the trials can allow or run the rental schemes in their areas, following new guidance for areas and rental operators.

The trials are designed to help understand whether the devices reduce motor traffic, as well as their impacts on safety for their users and others. They will be strictly prohibited on pavements, will be limited to 15.5mph and riders are recommended to wear helmets.

Users will need a full or provisional car, motorcycle or moped licence to take part in the trials, and must be 16 or over. To avoid a flood of poor-quality scooters onto the streets, the regulations only cover rental schemes.

Individually owned scooters will still be illegal on public roads.

The trials are due to last for 12 months.