KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The Trial guidance states how to travel safely, licensing guid- ance and the rules of the road as part of the Trial only and is not applicable to privately owned scooters but gives an indication as to the likely framework when it is introduced.
The specifications for e-scooters within this Trial under The Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020 are as follows:-
An “electric scooter” means a vehicle which (a) is fitted with an electric motor with a maximum contin- uous power rating not exceeding 500 watts.
(b) is not fitted with pedals capable of propelling the vehicle. (c) has two wheels, one front and one rear, aligned along the direction of travel.
(d) is designed to carry no more than one person. (e) has a maximum weight of 55 kgs (excluding the driver) (f) has a maximum design speed not exceeding 15.5 mph; (g) has a means of directional control through the use of handlebars mechanically linked to the steered wheel;
(h) has a means of controlling speed through hand controls; (i) has a power control that defaults to the ‘off’ position
Driving licences
Riders must have category Q entitlement on their driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes category Q entitlement.
If they have a provisional licence, they do not need to show L plates when using an e-scooter.
If they have an overseas driving licence, they can use an e-scooter if they: • have a valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (so long as this does not prohibit them from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles)
• have a valid full licence from another country that entitles them to drive a small vehicle (e.g. cars, mopeds, or motor- cycles) and they entered the UK within the last 12 months.
They cannot use an e-scooter if they have an overseas provisional licence, learner permit or equivalent.
Insurance
E-scooters must have motor insurance, but riders do not need to arrange this as this will be provided by the e-scooter rental operator.
Helmets and clothing
Riders should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement. They are advised to wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing
JULY 2021
so that other road users can see them in daylight, poor light and in the dark. But again, this is not a legal requirement.
Where people can use a trial e-scooter
They may use a trial e-scooter on the road (except motor- ways) and in cycle lanes. They must not use an e-scooter on the pavement.
Traffic signs with the cycle symbol apply to e-scooters (unless a sign is displayed prohibit- ing e-scooters from that particular cycle way):
Registration plates and vehicle excise duty
E-scooters do not need to be registered, display registration plates, or pay vehicle excise duty.
Other safety rules for trial e-scooter users: • e-scooters should only be used in the area hosting the trial. • e-scooters should be used by one person at a time. • they must not tow anything using an e-scooter. • they must not use a mobile phone when using an e-scooter. • they 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 will not cause a danger – never hang them from the handlebars.
• they should not ride an e-scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated – they may be prosecuted under drink or drug driving laws as careless and dangerous driving offences also apply to users of e-scooters.
• they should also refer to the terms of use of the e-scooter operator before renting a trial e-scooter.
The future
The future of e-scooters is uncertain and much will depend on the success of these trials. But considering the govern- ment’s green energy push and relentless ambition to remove cars from the road, it’s unlikely this will disappear.
After the trials we will no doubt see further trials and amendments, before a permanent change in the law allow- ing use of e-scooters. But whether that will be a free use, allowing all to use as freely as skateboards and bicycles, or a restricted use, similar to one being trialled at the moment, will almost entirely depend on the next few months.
If you need any advice on motoring matters, please email
e.patterson@
pattersonlaw.co.uk or call 01626 359800 for free legal advice. For regular updates on road traffic law follow us on
twitter.com/Patterson_law_ or
facebook.com/PattersonLawMotoringSolicitors
87
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96
